Back to Blogging with...May empties!

Hello!
I'm back and I want to share my May empties!

I have a love/hate relationship with finishing products.  If it was really good I am so sad to see it go, but if it was not so good then that means I have been struggling to get rid of it :)  In May, I managed to empty 4!

First I have Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Body Lotion.  I got this at Walgreens as I recall.  I have crazy dry skin on my legs, and I hoped this would help.  None of the Vaseline brand lotions seem to do anything for me, and this one fell into that same category.  So this is an obvious non-repurchase.

Next up Avon's Anew Clinical Advanced Mircodermabrasion cream which Avon describes as " The first and only, at-home micro-dermabrasion to offer multiple-strength polishing in one revolutionary package. Exclusive dial-up tube delivers 4 progressively stronger levels of our micro-crystal formula. The levels gradually build every 2 weeks, to achieve fast results. Instantly, reveals visibly healthier, more radiant skin. Leaves skin feeling smooth and conditioned."  I really like this and guess what - they no longer sell it :(  Although I prefer not do use physical exfoliants, some times a good scrub feels great.   I have yet to find a comparable replacement, let me know if you have a suggestion!

I also finished my 1oz bottle of Lancome's Genefique which they describe as "Visibly younger skin in just 7 days. Skin looks as if lit from within – breathtaking radiant. Its youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch."  It works really well, my skin definetly looks brighter and my lotion seemed to sink in better. I've switched to Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (same idea, but you only have to apply at night but it takes longer to see results)hence me using it after using Genefique.  I would buy this again, and suggest it to anyone from dry to combination skin.

Last but not least, Lancome's Hypnose Doll Lashes which they describe as "A new, unique, cone-shaped brush provides an extremely smooth and clean application, precisely defining even your hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes. Combined with the exclusively developed FiberShine^TM formula, it sculpts, curls and loads each lash for the ultimate shiny lash fringe."  I do like the brush it really gets all your lashes and it seperates really well for a natural but better look.  However I can get the same results from L'oreal Telescopic for about a third of the price so I don't think I'll be purchasing again. 

Hopefully I can keep up the blogging and not get bogged down by work again this month! 

Next up...summer nails!
Jasmine

Estee Lauder's BB Cream is a Smooth Operator

Hello:


Today I tried Estee Lauder's BB Cream in Light.  Estee Lauder describes it as "All at once. Moisture, protection and flawless perfection.  Plus the most effective anti-oxidant power ever. This lightweight creme delivers: An instant, even-toned, healthy look. Powerful protection with our proven Super Anti-Oxidant Complex and SPF 35. High-performance, oil-free hydration. Helps to control excess surface oil."



As you can see the Estee Lauder formula is thicker than traditional foundation and is definitely a cream

Here are my primary foundations swatched -
At the top is the Estee Lauder BB Cream (it looks very dark) underneath is the Clinique BB Cream which looks very pink, the one up from the bottom is Teint Miracle in Ivoire 1, and then at the bottom Teint Idole 24H in 100 which is my "best" match.

The cream looks dark but when rubbed in (it's more like a lotion) it matched well.  I will definitely say that I feel it gave me moisture and sun protection, but as for the flawless finish - it's not like a foundation, it minimal coverage and I actually like it best as a primer.

So if you are looking for a thicker tinted moisturizer with SPF, or a primer with some added benefits this is a good choice. 

Next up... Elf Eye Primer,

Jasmine

Clinique's BB Cream is more Primer than true Beauty Balm

Hello,

I haven't posted in so long I feel terrible.  I've been working on my "real" career :)  I wanted to review some of the many "new" BB creams that are on the market.  If you look at the "original" BB creams that originated in Asia they were much more than the Americanized version. They provided more coverage, hid blemishes, had SPF, moisturizing agents, and dark spot and skin tone evening agents.  I feel what we are seeing on our market is more like a tinted primer with SPF.

Clinique describes their BB cream as  "This instant morning routine gives skin just about everything it needs for a quick start. SPF protection, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage to banish imperfections. The perfect primer, too."

I did a swatch comparison on my arm of my usual Lancome Teint Miracle vs. the Clinique BB Cream in Shade 1.

The BB cream is on top and it's much "pinker" and creamier



I thought it might appear very pink on my skin as I actually am a "warm pale", but it blended in well.

Before BB Cream

After -The cream did give me a little coverage
 but would not cover blemishes

I think this would make a good primer, but as far as coverage goes it is very light, and you would need a concealer for any blemishes, under eye circles etc...

Next up,
Estee Lauder's foray into the BB market

Jasmine

DIY Brush Cleaner

Hello!

I hope to actually make a video soon so I have been organizing my makeup and cleaning my brushes and setting up a "studio" space.  I read the blog xsparkage.com (she is A-mazing) and she had a recipe for DIY brush cleaner on her site.  So I wanted to share it! 
What you need:
2 Cups Distilled Water I just used filtered
1/2 Cup Isopropyl Alcohol The Higher the alcohol content, the cleaner the brushes. I use 91%
1TBS Dishwashing Liquid
1 TBS Clear Shampoo I recommend using baby shampoo if possible.
2 TBS Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Mix it all together (Easiest in a bowl or cup with a spout, so you can pour it into your container) and viola! Done. This costs you pennies and gets enough brush cleanser to last quite some time. I highly recommend trying it out, and never waste $10 bucks on a cup of brush cleaner again!

Super Easy right!  Yea!  I totally know I dodn't clean my brushes as often as I should, so this spray formula is right up my alley!

Jasmine

Estee Lauder's Invisible Fluid Makeup...was an unseen misstep

Hello:

Yesterday I tried Estee Lauder's Invisible Fluid Make-up which the company describes as: "See no makeup. Feel no makeup. First-ever IntuiTone technology guarantees your true-to-life shade and keeps it real in every light. Fresh, flawless, radiant. Ultra light, ultra breathable, oil-free."

The foundation went on very smoothly and did give my skin a "fresh, radiant" look.  Although in the picture above it looks warmer than my skin tone the IntuiTone technology must work because it blended with my skintone very well. It also made my skin feel very soft. The coverage is moderate. This foundation reminds me of Lancome's Teint Miracle in that it starts of as a very natural, dewy look but thru the day it breaks down and your face looks oily in about 5 hours.  With a mattifying primer underneath I think it would retain its begining look.




With Invisible Fluid

Before



The dissapoint is if you have use a primer to keep from turning into an oil slick than you might as well just use a product like Estee Lauders Double Wear or Lancome's new Teint Idole 24H. 

Next up... Eyeshadow Primer,

Jasmine



Estee Lauder's Illuminating Perfecting Primer ... did not light up my life

Hello:

Today I tried Estee Lauder's Illuminating Perfecting Primer.  It's a bit different from traditional primers in that it gives your face a hint of shine (illuminating), where traditional primers are usually ment to make the face less shiny and keep you matte throughout the day.  Estee Lauder describes the product as: "Discover the power of a primer with this targeted formula that adds instant brightness and radiance so makeup looks smooth, fresh, flawless. Soft-reflection optics minimize the look of pores and flaws to create an even, supple canvas. Special hydrators and skin-soothing Vitamin E, Rice Bran Extract and Shea Butter nourish and perfect. Ideal for Normal/Combination and Dry Skin."

It definetly made my skin soft and gave it a soft, dewy glow.  I would most likely wear this alone on a "natural" day, as I didn't see a lot of difference once I put my foundation on.

Before Illuminating Primer

After Primer - you can see I am bit more even

It helped my foundation stay on all day, but I am definetly more of a fan of primers that give a matte effect.  But if you have really "dull" skin or want something to use with a tinted moisturizer for a dewy effect (especially if you are tan!) it could be good for you.

With Illuminating Primer and Teint Miracle on

Next up...Estee Lauder's new Invisable Fluid Makeup,

Jasmine

Lancome Teint Idole 24H Foundation...is Fantastic!

Hello!

Today I tried out Lancome's new Foundation Teint Idole 24H (the old formula was the Teint Idole Ultra).  I am not even going to really compare the two as the formulas are quite different, but both are a moder/full coverage.  The new Teint Idole 24H is described by Lancome as: "The full coverage you need – flaws, pores, redness and all imperfections visibly disappear. The velvety finish you love for 24-hour lasting perfection and comfort. Full coverage. Velvety matte finish with no powdery effect.  Oil-free. Fragrance-free. Transfer-free. Non-comedogenic. Tested on sensitive skin. Tested under dermatological control."

I'm shade 100 by the way

Although it looks yellow on my skin this is the closest foundation match I have ever found

It went on really smooth and it lives up to it claims of a lightweight, flawless finish all day.  Not a hint of oiliness seeped through and I didn't use a primer.  It comes in 28 shades and you can usually get a 10 day sample to try if you ask at the counter. 



with Teint Idole 24H







If you are looking for a long lasting foundation in a wide variety of colors this may be the one for you!

Next up...Estee Lauder Illuminating Primer,

Jasmine







Face of the Day! #3 Smokey Blue

Hello:

Today I did a smokey blue eye with a severe cut crease (which I didn't manage to capture at all in the picture) I used a deep matte blue and a cream color for the lid.  It turned out quite well and the picture doesn't do the color justice!

I'll put up info on the products I used soon (it's a lot!)  I also should have a review of Lancome Teinte Idole Ultra 24H and Estee Lauder's Illuminating Primer coming soon.

Jasmine