Make Up
Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo
What: Angela brightens up with Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo eyeshadow
The Lowdown: Neutrogena calls it the “next evolution” in eye shadow,which puts up the red flag right away—we know they need to market their product, but overstatements like that always make us a little leery. What’s so evolutionary? The duo consists of a base that not only gives you color but conditioning too, with soy, silk and vitamins A, C and E, and an accent color containing “luminizing pearls” to brighten eyes. Seems that makeup isn’t just about enhancing hues, but keeping your skin healthy too, which admittedly, I’m all about. If it works.
I expect quality from the Neutrogena name, and this duo lives up in terms of ease of application—glides on nice and smooth—and it stays put as long as I’d generally expect, though perhaps not as long as they claim (“fade resistant” to last all day long? not exactly—I did have to touch up, but in all fairness, have yet to find an affordable shadow that does actually make it from dawn to dusk). As far as “conditioning” my eyelids? Honestly, I didn’t notice any difference—I’m not even sure what I’d be looking for. Nice quality color? Yep. Improved the condition of my eyelids? Who knows.
Yea or Nay: Conditioning status notwithstanding, for nice, smooth, reasonably long-lasting color from a quality name for under 10 bucks, it’s a Yea.
Buy It: $8.49 at Drugstore.com
British Cosmetics Brand Coming to the US
What: Wildly popular UK cosmetics brand, Illamasqua, will make the big leap across the pond on July 31st - debuting at New York City’s Sephora store in Times Square, then to other Sephora stores this fall. Illamasqua is all about the glamorous/goth look and makes no bones about being great for women and men.
What We Say A lot of exciting stuff has been going on at Sephora lately and this news will certainly give the retailer even more momentum, as Illamasqua’s apparently been in high demand for a while.
Have you ever used Illamasqua products? If so, were you happy with the (reported) dramatic results and the price tag attached to them?
Photo by April Robin
Free Beauty Lessons from Sephora
What: We’re not sure if this just means Sephora saleswomen (sorry, people) are about to get even pushier than ever, but the store’s now offering up free beauty consultations. Without committing to a purchase, you can enjoy a tutorial on how to apply that blush just right, what shade of red lipstick to wear with your skin tone, and which brand of mascara really makes your eyes pop.
What Sephora Says: “Reservations may be required, please call the store for details. Walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis.”
What We Say: Wait, is this really something new? Don’t all the beauty counters at top department stores offer up complimentary makeovers? We’re guessing Sephora’s making a big deal out of this because they’ve got true beauty experts on hand, but we’ll have to wait and see on this one.
If you’re planning on making a purchase to begin with, this is a great way to learn some makeup application techniques that could save you some big money later on - don’t pay for someone to do your makeup for that wedding you’re in; you already know your stuff, right? However, don’t blame us if you end up walking out of Sephora with a big bag of products you don’t need.
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse: Product Review
What: Angela tries to even things out with Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse
The Lowdown: While we’re busy changing up our fashion with the change of seasons, we need to remember that our make-up needs changing up as well. Heavier, creamier foundations that were fine (even preferable) in the dry winter months will do nothing but weigh us down as the summer heat sets in—which is why now seemed like a good time to lighten up by trying out Maybelline’s Dream Liquid Mousse. Boasting a lightweight “air-whipped” formula that’s oil-free, the product goes so far as to claim an “air-brushed” “poreless” finish. As a girl with oily skin and, well, largish pores, this is a selling point.
So does it live up to such lofty claims? I mean, “poreless”? How is that possible? As it turns out, it’s not. At least not in my case. The make-up did go on smooth, and has a light texture and a nice matte finish, but the pores, alas, just weren’t having it (being hidden and all, that is). So if the “poreless” part is what draws you to this product, I wouldn’t get too excited. If you’re looking for an inexpensive foundation that is light enough for summer and reasonably priced? Perhaps.
The verdict: Because (for me) it didn’t live up to its claim, it’s a nay, even if it is under 10 bucks. Sorry Maybelline—we still love your Great Lash mascara though.
Best Lipstick on a Budget: Community Knowledge Project
Browsing the makeup aisle of your favorite grocery or drug store can be intimidating. Especially when there are no samples out - we all know the color that appears on the lip stick bottle does not look the same when applied on your lips. But you’re right to steer clear of the snooty beauty shops; sure they’ll give you a complimentary makeover, but they’ll also give you a guilt trip when you realize how much you spent. So, the key is to know exactly what to look for.
From Rimmel to Revlon, there are tons of cheap options out there. But products that easily wipe off, on your significant others’ check or your wine glass, just don’t cut it, no matter how affordable. No one wants to take several trips to the bathroom in one evening for a simple touch-up. Another lipstick requirement, of course, is color - too bright and you’ll look like a clown, not bright enough and you’ll look like you’re not even trying. So, the shade of red’s gotta be just right.
Here’s Some of Our Top Budget Lipstick Picks:
1000 Kisses Stay on Lip Liner from Rimmel, $3.19
L’Oreal Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss, $8.48
Patent Lips Liquid Lipstick from Black Opal, $6.75.Especially good for women of color
Revlon Super Lustrous - Creme Lipstick, $7.00-$8.00
L’Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor, $8.46-$10. Especially good for women of color
Who do you turn to for budget lipstick?
New Look for L’Oreal?
Drugstore beauty brand, L’Oreal, may start “introducing lower-priced items” to shoppers. In addition to implementing a hiring freeze and laying out a more innovative and aggressive business agenda, L’Oreal is in the process of separating itself from the mid priced market in order to do well in the coming years. And that could mean cheaper makeup for us. Until we see precisely what “lower-priced” means, though, we’ll hold our breath.
We love many of the makeup retailer’s products, so here’s hoping that L’Oreal’s makeover will translate into more affordable lip stick, eyeliner, etc.
With its ambitious plan for 2009, is L’Oreal losing the battle (it’s been underperforming of late) but winning the war?
Get Free Makeup
“THIS EVENT HAS ENDED”
Did you buy cosmetics between May 29,1994 and July 16,2003? We’re guessing you did. And stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s will take your word for it. Due to a class action settlement, which amounted to a whopping $175 million, a long list of department stores are handing out free makeup; no strings attached. According to the law, you’re owed one free item of makeup. But you’ve only got until Monday, January 26th (or while supplies last) to take advantage. Here’s a list of all the participating stores and cosmetic brands.
Holiday Beauty on a Budget:
During the holidays, it’s hard enough to make your budget stretch for all the gifts/parties/entertaining you’ve got to do without having to spend a fortune on looking great for all those events. Here are some budget-friendly tips that will help you get through the craziness of the next couple of months looking fabulous . . .
- Create Your Own Lipgloss. If you have a lipstick that has reached it’s end, scoop out the remaining stub and place it in a contact lens case with a dab of vaseline. Mix them together for a great lipgloss. You can add a bit of sweetened Kool Aid to the gloss for flavor.
- Get an Instant “facelift”. Braid a few cornrows around your temples to instantly “lift” the areas around you eyes. Make sure to keep them only for one night as it can cause stress around your hair line leading to breakage. You also can use egg whites to tighten skin
- Make Your Own Headbands. Feathered headbands are very in this year and you can easily make your own without spending a small fortune. Just get plastic headbands (which can be purchased from any drugstore for less than $5), a package of feathers from a craft store, and either hot glue gun or double stick tape. Glue the feather(s) on the side of the headbands.
- Budget Bronze. Save money and your skin by using budget bronzers from frugal brands like Wet ‘n’ Wild. Use these bronzers to highlight your best features like cheek bones and cleavage.
pictured: Wet ‘n’ Wild Bronzzer Compact, $2.99, Drugstore.com
Three Cheap (or Free!) Beauty Tricks
Nobody wants to spend a bundle on their beauty routine right now, and you don’t have to. There are three key ingredients to a healthy, glowing daytime look—great skin, pretty lips, and an all-over kiss of color. Here’s how:
Lip Plumper. While some lip plumping products are relatively inexpensive, they also don’t always work. Save yourself the trouble (and cash) and purchase some cinnamon oil instead (according to beauty expert Diane Irons, the oil brings the blood to the lips for temporary—about four hours’ worth—of plumping). Slick on a little lip gloss or balm for shine. NOTE: BE SURE to dab a little of the cinnamon oil in less visible place first, however, to check for allergies, and wait 24 hours . . .
Glowing Cheeks. Rather than buying sixteen different products for eyes, cheeks, lips, etc., pick up one that’s meant to cover all your bases, like this All Over Color Stick from e.l.f, just $1.49! Or don’t even bother buying something new—repurpose an old pink, rose, or peach lipstick (depending on your preference and skintone) and dab with fingers like a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks (blending well, of course).
Moisturized Skin. We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s sooo budget friendly that we couldn’t leave it out— Vaseline is one of our favorite budget beauty products, and in this case we’re talking about as a skin moisturizer. We all know it’s great for rough elbows, knees and heels, but it’s also hard to beat as a heavy-duty facial moisturizer—smooth it on all your wrinkle prone areas (avoiding oily areas, like the t-zone, depending on your skin) at night, and wake up with super smooth skin. Seriously. (It’s also great for removing stubbon eye-makeup . . . )
Get More Bang for Your (Beauty) Buck
If you’ve had to cut down on spending on little luxuries like beauty products, your best bet is to make the most of what you’ve got. This is easier than it sounds—it’s simply a matter of learning how to prolong a product’s use. Here are a few tricks that work for us.
~ If you’ve opened your lipstick only to discover that the color no longer twists up above the tube’s edges, don’t junk it just yet. Instead, scoop out the rest of the lipstick and place it into a small pot. Then continue to apply it with a lip brush. You’d be surprised to discover just how much of your lipstick normally goes to waste! (Need something to scoop it with? Head to your nearest Baskin-Robbins and ask for a sample of something yummy. Enjoy your treat, then head home with the teeny spoon.)
~ We’ve heard experts recommend that nail polishes can be kept longer if they’re stored in a cool place—like the fridge. But we’ve been unsuccessful with this practice, as often, others we co-habitat with aren’t thrilled about finding Maybelline behind the Mayo. However, we have found that when polish gets a bit soupy, the best way to get it back to a normal consistency is to add a few drops of nail polish thinner, as a manicurist would do at a salon. Just a small amount of thinner ought to coax a couple of extra uses out of a bottle.
~ You could also save a bundle on shampoo and conditioner, by cutting down the amount you use. Unless you have really long or thick hair, you don’t need more than a dime-sized amount of shampoo and unless your hair is very damaged, you don’t have to dump on the conditioner. Distribute conditioner generously mainly at the ends, and if you have curly hair, leave a small amount in as a styling agent.
~ Many people think it’s time to replace compact make-up when the make-up has been worn off the center of the compact pan. This is understandable, since at this point it becomes harder to get the right amount of make-up onto the sponge. However, this problem can often be solved by just replacing the sponge. Sponges need be replaced periodically, anyway, since over time can become overly caked with make-up and dirt.
~ Thinking you need to replace those old make-up brushes? Think again. Regular cleaning of make-up brushes will keep them looking (and feeling) as good as new.
New Products from Sonia Kashuk for Target
What: One of our favorite makeup artists, Sonia Kashuk, designs cosmetics and beauty products for our dear reliable Target. Her 2008 holiday collection is debuting soon, and it’s full of gilded brush cases, eyeshadow palettes, cosmetic cases, and a gold hair brush, all for affordable prices.
The Lowdown: We’re not sure we can wait till the holidays to do our shopping with these adorable-sounding tool kits. The Glamified Brush Set ($21.99) is one part gold and silver evening purse and three parts brush case. We already know that Sonia Kashuk’s beauty tools are the best buy for our budgets. Armed with the seven brushes, we’ll apply our blush, shimmer powder, eyeshadow and more correctly instead of using one generic brush. Another product we’re going to purchase for friends, family and ourselves is the Showstopper Eye Shimmer Set ($16.99): once again packaged in blingy gold, it holds three new eyeshadow colors—a shimmery white, a glamorous gold and asphalt. If you’re looking for a miniature brush set, check out the Tooled Over Purse Set for $14.99. The one item we’re not so excited about, though, is the Golden Locks Hair Brush. Target, you let us down a bit—$17.99 for a hair brush, albeit a gold one, is a bit too much for our budget sensibilities . . .
Image: Target.com
Magic Mascara Wands
What: Innovations in mascara wand design are leaving lashes looking longer than ever.
What the Experts Say: Think the mascara wand is only ancillary to the actual mascara formula? Think again. Cosmetics manufacturers are churning out wand designs that may look odd, but truly deliver the goods. It’s all enough to get Christina Ricci’s makeup gal, Vanessa Scali, hyped up. Of Givenchy’s Phenomen Eyes mascara , which touts a wand with a ball-shape at the end, Scali tells InStyle, “The unusual brush let’s you get in between every lash for extra definition. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a mascara.��?
What We Say: We don’t step foot outside without our lashes looking lush and lengthy, so if the new crop of wands make a difference, we’re psyched. Guerlain Le 2 De Guerlain Two Brush Mascara boasts two wands: a thick one for volumizing and lengthening, and a tiny angled one that reaches pesky inner lashes for a wide-eye effect. At $35, it’s not quite a steal, so Covergirl Lash Blast and Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara have you covered, offering lush lashes at lesser price points. Lash Blast’s large, patent-pending plastic brush really separates every lash for awesome definition, but is difficult to maneuver on tiny inner lashes. The VolumFlex Brush in Glam’Eyes literally bends, making it highly maneuverable and perfect for coating each lash from root to tip.
Photo: Style.com
Best Organic Beauty Products on a Budget: Reader Advice
Organic, natural, green, eco-friendly—all catch phrases in both the fashion and beauty industries right now, which means navigating the products produced under those labels can be, well, confusing. We like the idea of greening up our beauty routine, but getting organic/natural beauty products on a budget can be a challenge indeed, and knowing which ones we should pick up can be even harder. Kiss My Face is one line we like, with products that are deemed “natural” but aren’t too outrageously priced (like this Kiss & Makeup 3Way Color, $8.99).
But tell us, TBF readers, what budget natural/organic beauty products do you swear by (and don’t forget to tell us where you get ‘em)?
Customizable Makeup Palettes
What: Tailor-make your beauty with customizable makeup palettes.
What the experts say: What good is a makeup palette if it contains only one or two items that suit you? In steps customizable makeup palettes, which allow you to combine the best of what works for you into one easy-to-use palette.
“Palettes are a great way to organize your makeup and streamline your makeup routine,” makeup artist Bobbi Brown writes on her website. “Pick your favorite shades and custom-fill your choice of palettes. It’s the ultimate in personalized beauty.”
What we say: We love it when we come across a smart idea that simplifies our lives! Think about it: Rather than dig through an overflowing makeup bag filled with tons of product, we can access our go-to colors in one easy-to-use palette. Each palette compact comes empty, and you can pick and choose which items you want to plug into it.
We’ll take this one, and this one, and this one…with Bobbi Brown 4-Pan Palette you can tailor your eyes and cheeks to your liking. The eyeshadows and blushes are on the pricy side—$20 to $22 each—yet provide dazzling results in a spectrum of just-for-you hues. We also dig Prescriptives Colorscope Large Compact , which allows you to piece together a product puzzle of innumerable color combos. For example: Snap in two Cheekcolors and a Highlighter, or do up your eyes with six Eye Color Singles—the options are endless (and slightly less expensive)!
For the ultimate in inexpensive personalization, we’ll be counting on mark Snap To It Mega Custom Color Palette, which allows us to play mad-scientist makeup artist without shelling out to much dough (each Custom Pick Eye Shadow is $4; each Good Glowing Custom Pick Powder Blush is $6).
Free Beauty Gift with Purchase at NORDSTROM
What: Get a free beauty gift with purchase during Nordstrom
Anniversary Sale.
What We Say: Most of the time, we shop at NORDSTROM Rack because the prices at the department store are a bit too steep. But with their Anniversary Sale, we can purchase high-end beauty products and get free make-up, skincare, and perfume. In pouches, which we can use to store make-up. The brands offering gifts with purchase vary from the high end to very high end: Lancome, Clarins, Bliss, Christian Dior, and more. We like the Lancome and Estee Lauder offers the most: several free samples, in a pouch, with a purchase of $29.50.
High vs. Low: Eyeliner
An eyeliner is one of the essential eye makeup products along with eye shadow and mascara. It enhances the shape of the eyes while also giving them an edgy appeal. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to outline their eyes with pigment for beautification, but also for spiritual reasons. Today, eyeliner is mainly used to accentuate the eyes, and to create that ultra sexy smokey eye look. You can find numerous brands at drugstores for under $10, but designer makeup brands are often over $20. So we wondered, is there a big difference between them?
After some research, we decided to test eyeliners from cosmetics giants Maybelline and Chanel. We’re happy to report that both eyeliners glided on smoothly and stayed put all day with no smudging. The Chanel eyeliner was firm yet creamy, and glided on smoother than the Maybelline eyeliner, creating a straight line immediately upon application. It also had a sponge tip on one end for creating a smokey look. The Maybelline eyeliner created a subtle thin line after one application, ensuring that first time users wouldn’t go overboard with a too-thick line. However, a thicker rim would require two or three applications. The Maybelline eyeliner self-sharpens with a twist of the handle making it quite portable, while the Chanel liner requires sharpening. As far as quality, both liners were excellent. Would we splurge on the Chanel liner? Probably, not.
On the left Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner, $28, available at chanel.com. On the right: Maybelline’s Line Stylist eyeliner, $6.99, available at maybelline.com.
Faux Bronze Glow: Beauty Trend 2008
What: Skip the (unhealthy) suntan in favor of summer’s best bronzers.
What the experts say: Tanning is so passé, but appearing sun-kissed is still as striking as ever. Yet, choose your bronzer wisely.
“The big changes in bronzer this year are the shift from shimmer to matte, as well as placement,��? editorial makeup artist Elke Von Freudenberg tells us. “Now we’re using bronzer to contour: under cheekbones, along the sides of forehead and at the bottom of the chin. Find a warm honey bronze; this works great on almost all skin tones without being too red, dark or orange. And don’t overdo it; nothing looks worse than too much bronzer.��?
What we say: Anything that mimics the look of spending our days frolicking in the sun without actually having to subject our skin to dangerous UV rays sounds perfect to us. We love the faux glow Charlize Theron flaunted at the MTV Movie Awards, and we’re willing to bet we can fake it just like her on the cheap. Sephora’s Bronzer Powder SPF 15 helps us fake that trip to St. Tropez we’ve been dreaming about—all while protecting our skin against the sun. Sure, at $15 it’s pricey—but the added SPF makes it worth the cost. For all of us whose skin tends to gush oil during the summer months, Jane offers Oil-Free Bronzing Powder, which gives us a gorgeous sunless glow while not clogging pores or emptying our wallets ($3.69). Our personal fave: Wet ‘N Wild Bronzzer Compact. Not only does it come in a variety of tones perfect for all types of skin, but also it doesn’t streak when you sweat. For $2.99, that’s a deal worth its weight in gold…er, bronze.
Photo: Getty Images
Bright Blue Liner: Beauty Trend 2008
What: Glam up your eyes with a dose of this season’s hottest eyeliner hue: vibrant blue.
What the experts say: A-list makeup artist Amy Nadine, who has brought The Hills’ Lauren Conrad’s peepers front and center with a slash of aqua, tells us,
“I love blue eyeliner on the bottom lash line as a fresh and fun way to enliven your face and make your eyes pop.��? She doesn’t go the traditional route, however, and nixes eyeliner in favor of metallic powder eye shadow. “Apply it wet with an eyeliner brush, starting thin on the inside corners and expanding the width gradually as you drag the brush to the outside corner.��?
What we say: A flash of bright blue eyeliner is an easy way to introduce color to your makeup—even if you’re weary of hue-tiful eyes. First seen on the Spring 2008 runways and now flaunted by Superbad starlet Emma Stone at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards, this trend has plenty of optic nerve. If you are as masterful as Amy, you’d track down Mark Gorgeous Eye Trio in Aqua Wave ($4) and apply it like a pro. But if you just can’t get the hang of shadow as liner, L’Oreal HIP Color Truth Eyeliner ($7.20) offers a pigment-packed Navy shade that imparts quality color, but can be smudged for a smooth, smoky look. Feeling a tad bit adventurous? A thick line of waterproof Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Teal ($7.49) will add a divine pop of color certain to leave you feeling blue (in a good way!). For those seeking high drama (and who are willing to part with a few more greenbacks), MAC Cosmetics Fluidline in Blue Peep or Waveline ($15) brings new meaning to the term “eye candy.��? Our advice? Stick to navy pencils and a light touch to ease into the trend. When you’re ready to jump into this blue streak, graduate to liquid liner in peacock and teal.
Photo from wireimage.com
mark Flip For It Spring Color Kits: Product Review
What: With a soft spot for makeup kits, Robin wants to see if the mark Flip For It Spring Color Kits, $18, are really worth flipping over.
The Lowdown: I love a well-thought-out makeup kit—considering I lose stuff all the time, the all-in-one function is fantastic for me. This kit, which is offered in three color palettes (and named after great cities like South Beach, Sydney and London) has two eye shadows and a blush on one side, and once you flip it over, two lip glosses and two lip colors on the other side. I tried the Sydney, which has pinks and plum hues. The shadows went on silky and had the perfect amount of shimmer. The lip glosses were super shiny, sweet and not sticky.
Yea or Nay: Yea. This compact is going with me everywhere this spring.
Buy It: @ Avon.com
Styli-Style L3 Lip Stain in Darling: Product Review
What: After searching high and low for the perfect pink lip color, Robin tries her luck with Styli-Style L3 Lip Stain in Darling, $8.00.
The Lowdown: I have become slightly obsessed with finding just the right pink lipstick lately. I want something that is not too light, not too dark, isn’t too glossy and has some lasting power. Enter the L3 Lipstain in Darling by Styli-Style. It was the not too light, not too dark, bubble gum pink shade that first drew me to this product; however, when I popped open the cap, I thought I was holding a Sharpie and not a lip stain. The marker-like tip feels exactly as if you took your kids markers and went to town on your pout. But what I got was what I always wanted! Perfectly pink matte lips that lasted practically all day. I did shine them up a couple times throughout the day with a clear gloss. And what’s even cooler is that the tip of my clear gloss didn’t turn pink!
Yea or Nay: If you don’t mind a super matte, stay all day color, I say yea. The stains come in three other shades that I can’t wait to try.
Buy it: @ Cosmeticmall.com. There is a two piece minimum per order, which is kind of weird, but the product is worth it.
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