Bare Escentuals Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo

Brushes like silk...

I needed this product, and didn't realize how badly until I tried it. I was washing my makeup brushes with a mild, anti-bacterial hand soap, and it did the job. This was, however, like using shampoo on hair vs. soap! My brushes, after air-drying, were so smooth and silky that it was like having new brushes. I have A LOT of brushes, so I wash them in shifts, and using my just-washed brushes are so nice. I have been using it for a couple of months now, once a week, and still am not through my first bottle (I'm a little stingy with it, though, I will admit--I only use as much as I have to). Just make sure to angle your brushes with the bristles down into the sink, at an angle, while washing. This keeps water from getting into the head of the brush, where it could possibly loosen any glue, or allow mildew/mold to grow. Treat your brushes to a good cleaning, and your skin will thank you!

October 10, 2008

Maybelline New York VolumeXLSeduction Lip Plumper

Ouch!

I do not have sensitive skin, eyes, lips, anything--or so I thought. I have tried plenty of lip plumpers, but this product actually burned and stung my lips! I kept waiting for it to "wear off," and finally had to remove after 30 minutes of discomfort. I like the delivery system for this product, but it will never deliver anything to these lips again!

October 10, 2008

Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara

A dissenting view on a great mascara

I am so surprised at the low ratings on this mascara! It has been my favorite since I first tried on my sample tube. It's not inexpensive, but I love the way my lashes look. I think it works so well for me because the brush is so user-friendly. Too-bushy or little flimsy brushes both make the application process difficult, and perhaps I receive such good results because of this mascara's "just right" brush size and stiffness. My lashes look longer, very black, and wonderfully separated. I have no problems with clumps or flakes. Try for yourself, maybe it will be your favorite, too!

October 10, 2008

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Lipstick

A splurge, but soooo nice!

I bought this lipstick last week, and absolutely love the way it feels on my lips. When I rub them together, it's so smooth...The price is high for a lipstick, but it's almost like a fashion accessory since the case is so chic. You remove the lipstick by pulling the ribbon at the bottom, and out comes a gorgeous, embossed silver tube. My only problem is that it has a "lipstick-y" taste that is unpleasant. It's not scented, per se, it's just the smell of the formula. That being said, I know people who love it exactly FOR the smell/taste! The colors are lovely, and the finish was just what I was looking for: no shimmer, not flat matte, just a soft satin sheen.

October 10, 2008