Broke Ass Beauty

"Your Foundation Looks Lovely"

2011-04-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Ha! Take that expensive brands. Physician's Formula has a new winner with their Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder SPF 30.

Ridiculously long, convoluted, inflated, and self-important name, but an amazing product. I ran into Sephora to lust after products I can afford only after I win the lottery (which will happen damn it). The sales associates recommended some products they love and told me my "foundation looks lovely" and asked "What was I wearing?" I proudly answered Physician's Formula, which was met with some incredulous looks, but I pulled this lil' beauty bullet outta my purse to silence the haters. This stuff is that great.

Of course, it has the terrible brush and ridiculous packaging of all PF products, which they really need to get over. Hard. Peeps over at Physician's Formula need to stop, collaborate and listen: QUIT WITH THE WHACK PACKAGING. Moving on, this powder can be applied lightly as a setting powder, and it's yellow-based shade lends itself well to that, or as a full on mineral foundation. Of course, the shade range is limited, but fair gals can rejoice in the natural looking flawless coverage.

Heart it. Even more than I heart Ben Affleck circa 2000. Hard core.

Natural Wonder Drugstore Products That I Love

2011-03-18T20:34:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite cheap, drugstore Natural Wonders:

1. Physician's Formula Organic wear™ 100% Natural Origin Tinted Moisturizer

This stuff is amazing. All natural, cruelty-free, feels good on the skin, and has an SPF. It also smells amazing. Not the greatest coverage in the world, but you will notice how the condition of your skin changes for the better when using this product.

2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Another natural wonder. I love Burt's Pomegranate Lip Balm. This is my fav balm hyped up on crack. A perfect sheer wash of color in a lip smoothing balm. Tastes good too. I recommend the color Hibiscus.

3. Yes to Cucumbers Daily Makeover Shampoo and Conditioner

Want shiny, soft hair? Want your color to last and last? Want this all in a natural, sulfate-free formula? Yes to Cucumbers is your answer. And it smells great too. So good.

4. Alba Natural AcneDOTE Deep Clean Astringent

If you have a case of the greasies, this is your cure. Willow bark extract naturally supplies salicylic acid, an oil and acne fighter. Aloe and chamomile soothe your skin so it doesn't dry out. Even I can use this, with my irrationally sensitive, nasty skin. It keeps me oil free longer, and even shrinks my pot hole sized pores. It wins so much, it must be made of Tiger Blood.

REVIEW: Physician's Formula Happy Booster™ Glow & Mood Boosting Blush

2011-03-15T00:29:00.000-05:00

Drugstore goodness doesn't come in a cuter package:

Seriously. I am a callous bitch, but this lightly violet scented, shimmering heart covered lovely cracks through my gruff exterior and turns my cheeks into shimmering pink orbs of adorableness. Or so I like to think.

I have the Physician's Formula Happy Booster™ Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Natural, and it gives me a great, just-ran-up-the-stairs-after-eating-a-box-of-Twinkies flush. If you are a reader of da blog, you know I have a hard-on for most things Physician's Formula. They came through again with a great product. I can't wait to try other products in the Happy Booster line. Lord knows I need it.

Mixing Medium

2011-03-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

Mixing medium, a combination of distilled water and glycerin, is a great tool in getting your powder foundations and mineral makeup to go on smoothly and flawlessly, without a "powdery" look. It's easy to make and use your own. Check out this video:

I use mixing medium when applying my Everyday Minerals or Hello Flawless. It really cuts down on the amount of product you use, and the amount of product that you look like you are using. And it is super cheap to make, and you get a high end result.

One of The Best Foundations (For Me)

2011-03-10T23:13:00.000-06:00

I've found it. One of my favorite foundations (so far). Everyday Minerals is pretty rad. Drug store price, free sample packs,a huge color and formula selection, amazing brushes, and fast service have won this hardened make up bitch over. There are 4 different bases, ranging from the dewy, glittery "Original Glo" formula to the formula of my choice, "Intensive."

I also love the heck outta there marketing and branding. Adorable.

The Sample Base Kits are amazeballs. You get 5 free samples of the base formula of your choice, ranging in color from Ivory to Mocha. You can order one free kit each time you make an order, additional samples per order are around $5.00. You get quite a bit of product in each sample, and if you are a mineral makeup fan, this is the way to go.

The also carry some of the best (and cruelty-free) makeup brushes I have ever used. Ever. Soft, silky, and effortless application. No more itchy face, or "scrubbing" to apply your makeup. Truly Glorious.

In short, great price, great product, and worth throwing your hard earned cash on.

Cheap Thrill

2011-02-12T13:28:00.000-06:00

wet n wild gets a bad rap, partly because they are cheap, partly because they do not believe in capitalization. Almost everyone I know has used wet n wild, particularly as a teen, or for cheap Halloween makeup. I have turned to the brand recently because it's so freakin' cheap, and they are cruelty-free, which is one of my musts.

Their powder eyeshadows are amazing. Silky, long lasting, easily blendable, equal to expensive brands. My new fav is the Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in "Sweet as Candy."

It doesn't look impressive in the pic above, but this stuff rocks. A subtle sheen of pearly color looks great on almost every skin tone (sorry olive ladies, this particular trio is not for you, but there are several others to choose from). All for around $3.00. Ridiculous. Go buy 2.

Experiments in Broke Ass Beauty

2011-02-01T21:12:00.000-06:00

I have been experimenting with several drugstore foundations that meet the Mandy Code:

1. Cruelty Free
2. On Sale
3. Come in Caucasian Corpse as one of the color options

I'm also interested in something that can last through the work day without many touch-ups, that stays put on the BP oil spill that calls itself my t-zone, and doesn't oxidize into a freakish orange color as the day wears on. I also don't want anything too mask-like, thick, or goopy looking. I hate that. One of the challenges I face is I am in and out of natural and artificial light.

Yes. I am concerned about how my makeup looks in various lighting. Let me tell you ladies, and the occasional gent, this can be the difference between fab and freakish. For example, in my videos, I wear more makeup, and a different kind, that I would wear in the real world, without the harsh glare of the artificial lights of my night time household. I would never wear this out of the house while sober. Unless I was walking into the same horror-show canned lighting fiesta that is my house. But, for the sake of this experiment, I wore different types of makeup into the real world: to my job, the grocery store, and over to a friend's.

Experiment 1: Almay's tlc truly lasting color makeup

The Claims (via the Almay website):

tlc truly lasting color^™makeup

tlc truly lasting color™ makeup with SPF 15 delivers up to 16 hours of flawless coverage that won't rub off—even in heat and humidity. Plus, it nourishes your skin with a blend of green tea to protect, vitamin E to help smooth, and lemon extract to brighten...for all day, natural radiance.

The Reality:

Can I just share that it really irks me that Almay doesn't use capitalization with their products? It makes me want to dislike the product immediately without just cause.

This is surprisingly good. I'm not a huge fan of Almay foundations. The color is usually way off, and oxidizes to the point where I look spray tanned. I'm a fan of Almay shadows and lippies. I'm now a fan of this as well. If I was a bit darker (of course) this would truly be a great, long(ish) wearing makeup that doesn't feel like a lot of makeup. It has good for you, gentle ingredients, no long wear smell.

I applied with a foundation brush followed by a sponge for a smooth, even, flawless application. I liked this as a medium coverage option. It still looks like your skin and doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles. I don't use a powder over it, as I think that would be too "made up." This would be a great for someone with sensitive skin, who is trying to hide some redness. It does oxidize and get darker throughout the day, so watch out for that.

Oh, and 16 hour wear my fat, lily-white ass. It's long lasting, but not that long, particularly on my combo skin.

Experiment 2: Revlon's PhotoReady Makeup mixed with ColorStay

The Claims (via the Revlon website):

Revlon PhotoReady™ Makeup - for poreless, airbrushed skin in any light. Photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to erase every flaw. Complete, yet undetectable coverage. Soft, luminous finish.

- Oil free
- Fragrance free
- SPF 20

ColorStay™ Makeup with SoftFlex™ provides lightweight comfort, so you feel like you’re not wearing makeup. Looks fresh for up to 16 hours.

Want makeup that is flawless and weightless for 16 perfect hours? Revlon has the solution - ColorStay™ Makeup with SoftFlex™.

Specially formulated for combination or oily skin, this oil-free formula helps control shine all day and gives you flawless looking skin.

Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the SoftFlex ColorStay™ formula.

Medium to full coverage, with SPF 6 protection*.

What I did:

Some other bloggers have mentioned their success at blending these 2 formulas together. Frequent readers of this blog know I have a deep hatred of PhotoReady, and a mild like of Colorstay. Sometimes two wrongs make a right (Michael Bay and Explosions, Britney Spears and Auto-Tune, Captain and Tennille) and I thought this might too.

The Reality:

I applied a 50/50 mixture with a foundation brush followed by a sponge for the smoothest coverage. No powder. This looks great in really bad, harsh artificial light. It looks like you belong in an open casket wake in soft light or natural light. It's just too mask-like. If you were going out for a night on the town and need something that lasts and you will be in dive bar lighting, this will work. If you are getting pictures taken and want to hide flaws with ultra-coverage, this will work. If you are working on your tuck game and need something to hide your stubble, I would recommend this. That's about it.

My experiment had mixed results. I think these products are going to make some people amazingly happy, I'm just not one of 'em. Go find a bogo sale somewhere and get yourself some warpaint to experiment with. You just might find your perfect match in your mad experiment.

Amanda

Retro Makeup Tutorial

2011-01-23T21:40:00.001-06:00

We were at it again peeps! The Other Amanda sat down for a easy and quick retro look.

Vintage Makeup: Cruelty Free Alternatives

2011-01-23T14:38:00.000-06:00

Vintage Makeup: Cruelty Free Alternatives

Helpful link for those looking for cruelty-free alternatives!

Check Out My Video Tutorial!

2011-01-22T21:18:00.000-06:00

Check out my first epic makeup tutorial video. Pardon the shady camera stylings, poor lighting, and my overexposed boobs. I'm still learning.

REVIEW: Revlon Makeup Eraser Pen

2011-01-13T20:46:00.000-06:00

Do you ever unintentionally jam your mascara wand into you eye, causing a raccoon-eyed mess around your eye? Have you ever gotten to close to the base of your eyes, and made a mascara mess? Or, have you ever so royally messed up your eyeliner that you had to wipe off or start over?

I do one of these things everyday. Every. Damn. Day. The Revlon Makeup Eraser Pen is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I rank this up there with meeting my husband, joining Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time, and buying Just Dance 2. This shit is the real deal.

Run this over mistakes to clear the area for a quick shadow/concealer/liner application. It saves me so much time in the morning when I, of course, mess my face up completely when applying mascara. This could also be used for lipstick messes and the occasional brow pencil tragedy. Everyone should have this. Everyone.

REVIEW: BeneFit Products that Rock My World

2010-12-06T17:01:00.000-06:00

It's time to unveil some of the products that are contributing to my new-found hotness. let's start from the base up:

1. BeneFit's You Rebel Lite SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer

Note that I, of course, have to use the specially made, corpse colored version of a perennial favorite, but at least they make it, unlike countless other brands. This is a great, blendable, buildable tinted moisturizer. It is yellow-toned, so instead of looking pink or Snooki orange, this calms redness and leaves a fresh, more even complexion. And it's oil free. You also get a ton of product (a little goes a loooooonnnnggg way) so this will last even with daily application. If this product was a person, it would be Anne Hathaway. A pale, intelligent beauty that stands out amongst all the botoxed, tanned, shriveled Hollywood whores. Truly lovely.

2. After applying You Rebel Lite, I move on to my newest bestest friend: BeneFit's The Porefessional

This stuff is freaking wonderful. I have huge pores in between my eyebrows, and along the sides of nose. my cheeks are even starting to join the giant nasty pore parade. It's awful, disheartening and makes me die inside a little when I see them, winking at me with their huge, greasy vastness in the mirror, mocking me.

The Porefessional is like a pore assassin. it helps temporarily fill in the pits created by pores, stop their incessant oil leaking, and create a smoother, softer, oil free canvas for you to base the rest of your look on. This knocked my proverbial socks off ladies. If I was given the choice of no more The Porefessional and a night of endless pleasure with Brad Pitt a la Legends of the Fall, I would send young, long-tressed, Adoniis-bodied, virile Bradley packing. This goo is that amazing. You know how your make-up settles into fine lines and your pores after a while (or in my greasy case, after 20 minutes)? This slows that process down, and for less oil prone gals, stops your make-up from sliding into your nooks and crannies. Heart.

3. BeneFit's Boi-ing Concealer

Remember my love of Erase Paste? My introduction to Boi-ing makes that fondness seem like a school girl's crush. this is a bit dryer of a formula, which works much better on my skin. A little dab'll do ya, and you can mix it with a touch of The Porefessional for a silky, light touch concealer and primer in one step. I just knocked your ass to the ground with that I know. It's what I use around my eyes when I don't have deep, dark circles. When I do have straight up purple bags, I use Boi-ing Straight up. It conceals without being heavy or gross, or caking into fine lines.

There is more to come Dear Internet, but this is it for now.

Amanda

Mo' Money, Less Problems

2010-11-17T16:46:00.000-06:00

Forget what Diddy said ladies. Sometimes, by spending more money up front for beauty products, you save yourself time, anguish, and most importantly, cash.

For example, you buy Brand X foundation at La Drugstore. After you actually wear Brand X in public, you realize it sucks in a triple X kinda way. It's the Jenna Jameson of foundations, and you've spent $12.00 bucks on it. La Drugstore's return policy on cosmetics varies from store to store. You live in an urban area, so you are totally SOL. NO RETURNS. Balls.

You instead have to purchase another foundation, and hope for the best. If it doesn't work out for you, the cycle continues. I've lived this folks. Let me tell you something--it's not worth it. I've had my come to Grilled Cheesus moment. I saved money and bought a few real, returnable, high-end products.

I look f$%ing fabulous.

I also returned 2 foundations and a powder before I was satisfied. Here are some tips I am passing down to you before you enter the scary customer service driven worlds of Sephora and Ulta.

1. Research products online and read reviews.

Duh. There are people like me tripping over themselves to make sure you don't buy a shitty product. Let us help you chicas. Google it. Read about it. Be informed about what you smear on your face.

2. Look good when you go shopping.

Seriously, I don't want no scrubs shoppin' at Sephora wit' me. Look good. You will feel confident, and the sales people are less likely to hone in on you like cheetahs on an injured antelope. Strut bitches, strut.

3. When they ask if you want help, tell them no, even if you need it.

But Amanda, you ask, isn't this counterintuitive? Yes and no. If you tell them that you are browsing when you walk in, you don't have to worry about them stalking you and pressuring you to buy something. In my case "help'"consisted of two very orange foundations and an illuminating powder that lit me up like a Studio 54 Disco Ball (I did, however, get directed to the bestest mascara in the world). Under the prison lights of their stores, anything looks good. Daylight is the real test. If you need advice ask for it, but browse on your own first. Smear the back of your hand, your collar bone, and your cheek with a million sundry products. Go crazy. Narrow it down to three or four items like items. Then ask a sales person for help if you are still lost.

When I browsed and picked out products on my own, I hit home runs. I know how pale and greasy I am, and how large my pores are. These beatches have no idea about my struggles. Know thyself, and buy products that work for you.

4. Don't be afraid to return things.

If you hate it, return it. Life goes on. Pick something else instead. Don't let the stank eyed gaze of the salesperson scare you. RETURN IT.

5. Don't be scared to try something different.

Get sucked in by cute packaging. Pay too much for something you don't feel like you can live with out. If it sucks, you can always make like number 4 and RETURN IT. It could be the best purchase you ever made.

I'll be posting reviews on my high end haul shortly. Don't think I've abandoned my dollar store roots Internet. I will forever prowl the aisles of CVS looking for eyeshadow quads and lipglosses while slightly buzzed off of vodka and sugar free Redbulls. Old habits die hard.

Red Breaks My Heart

2010-09-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

My red hair washed out after 4 days. I only washed it twice. I'm a natural looking medium reddish brown now. I LOVED the red day one. It was awesome, and I'm, sad that it happened.

I did, however, learn a valuable lesson: IF YOU WANT TO BE RED GET YOUR HAIR COLORED BY A PROFESSIONAL. That was very capslock Harry Potter a la book five, but it's the truth. Don't play.

Fab or Fail: I'm a Ginger Now

2010-09-16T23:43:00.001-05:00

Ok peeps, time to weigh in on my newest rash decision--red hair. I've had the bug for quite some time but being blond is safe, generally flattering, etc. Whattya think?

Revlon Foundation Round-Up: Fantastic or Fail?

2010-09-14T15:04:00.001-05:00

Hola Chicas,

CVS had a bogo sale on some Revlon foundations and I could not resist the temptation to purchase the 2 that had been twinkling in my eye for some time now: SPA Age Defying Foundation and Colorstay Mineral Mousse Makeup.

SPA Age Defying Foundation in FAIL.

Colorstay Mineral Mousse Foundation in INFINITE SADNESS.

I wish I had better news for you girlfriends, but the facts are in. DO NOT BUY. Revlon has such amazing products (Colorstay with Soft Flex, Just Bitten Lipstains, Colorstay LipSheers...) that I was floored at how crazy bad these were. Someone was drinking too many Mike's Harder Lemonades when they were cookin' up these formulas.

SPA Age Defying Foundation

Pros:
-Dewy finish
-Lot's of product

Cons:
-WTF is with the unsanitary, needless-streak-causing-funky-brush applicator? You have to use tools to pull this thing off. I'm She Hulk and I can't rip it off. SHENANIGANS!
-This is not true to color. It's actually far lighter than the tube and that's saying something coming from this snowflake.
-It's not really any kind of coverage. I've used tinted moisturizers with more bang.

This might be good mixed into something too heavy for you, or as a color corrector for something too dark. On it's own. Meh.

Colorstay Mineral Mousse Foundation

Pros:
-It was a nice try

Cons:
-Wack coverage, can get clumpy, settle into fine lines and pores
-Not true to color
-Color doesn't stay

If you are like me, the glowing picture of Halle B. sucked you into to this purchase. It was a sad mistake, as I will never be a beautiful Oscar-winning screen actress famous for humping Billy Bob like she really meant it and being absurdly hot. Smearing this on your face makes you look more like Crazy Aunt Dot, with the crepe paper skin, neon pink lipstick and haphazardly smeared brow pencil. It will also make you smell like her--the faint scent of Gold Bond, cats, and musty Danielle Steele novels.

Stick with Colorstay ladies. Get your ass in gear Revlon.

It's a G-D Shame.

2010-08-18T21:35:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been wrestling with an ethical dilemma and how I want to phrase my thoughts without sounding like a PETA hypnotized, granola munching, hemp-raising hippy. That being said, I eat a mostly vegan diet, recycle, turn the faucet off, buy organic, shun non-cotton underies, despise sulfates, and make all natural bath and body products as a hobby. Patchouli should be wafting behind me in a perfumed curtain of Aquarian goodness and sunflowers should sprout in my foot prints as sparrows braid my hair. Did I mention I have an herb garden?

I don't think animals are people, although my dog might disagree with me as he watches television next to me with eerily human intent. I do believe they have the right to a life filled with as much freedom and dignity as possible, even if they end up on the dinner table, or are incubating the possible cure for breast cancer. There are, in my opinion, justifiable reasons for animal testing. AIDS, Leukemia, and MS are but a few of these reasons. Thumper can take one for all the kids suffering at Saint Jude's. Don't get me wrong--those animals suffer and live an extremely shitastic existence, it sucks, and if there is any possible alternative for testing it should be taken. End of story.

I don't think that in the year 2010 Thumper should be getting mascara and lipstick shoved in his adorable little eye. My plumping lip gloss doesn't need to be forcefed to rats to make sure it's safe. Cosmetic companies shouldn't be putting crap in my mascara that they think might be that effing questionable. This isn't even a question for me.

To be honest, I didn't even think this was an issue anymore. It's 2010, wasn't there supposed to be a flying car by now? Haven't we moved beyond such asshatery? Well, these cosmetic giants haven't:

CoverGirl
Maybelline
L'Oreal
Johnson & Johnson
Sally Hansen

This only names a few. More information can be found here.

Neutragena doesn't test on animals, but its parent company, Johnson & Johnson does. So the drugstore brands we have left are:

Revlon
Almay
Physician's Formula

These are the brands you will be seeing featured from now on. Hopefully, this will expand. I will also be supporting Neutragena's decision to stop animal testing. As a consumer, my purchases can also be meaningful and just.

Let's face it. This sucks. No more Lashblast. No more Voluminous. Get with the program cosmetic giants! I want to buy your shit. I want to be sucked in by the young starlet in your ridiculous marketing campaigns. I desperately want to purchase your sulfate-free shampoos that infer Sawyer from LOST will take me again and again in a polar bear cage while Jack watches.

Stop poisoning bunnies so we can be BFF's again.

REVIEW: CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara

2010-06-15T20:39:00.000-05:00

We all know I am obsessed with mascara. It is my one beauty must have other than tintes moisturizer with an SPF. I tried the original LashBlast mascara and was not impressed. I was the opposite of impressed. It was gloppy, didn't stay put, and managed to get everywhere during application.

This waterproof version, howevr, lives up to all the hype I've been seeing about this stuff. The brush is still a bit outrageous and hard to control, but the product delivers. Go CoverGirl.

REVIEW: Sally Beauty Supply Hair One Cleansing Conditioner

2010-05-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

I've noticed a trend lately, I only blog about stuff I'm in love with. This is no different. I bought the knock-off of Chaz Dean's Wen Hair Care System for a fraction of the cost at Sally's. I chose the Aloe and Cucumber Hair One formula for normal hair. IT IS AMAZING.

Here's what Sally has to say about their freaking great product:

Sulfate Free

All natural approach to hair care

No damaging detergents or harsh chemicals

Formulated with natural herbs and oils

Cleans with an astringent and antibacterial properties

Introducing Hair One ... a salon quality product that provides a new all natural approach to hair care and hair detox that leaves hair cleansed, conditioned and in optimum shape. This conditioner has no damaging detergents or harsh chemicals. It's made with an elixir of natural herbs and oils that clean with astringent and antibacterial properties through a luxurious, penetrating cream without the stripping of detergents. Hair is left with remarkable shine, moisture, manageability and polish. With continued use, Hair One Cleanser Conditioner will stimulate the scalp, promoting better blood circulation, allowing for healthier hair growth and prevention of hair loss.

Sally isn't telling a fib here kids. My hair has more body, bounce, and shine and I have eliminated the use of my conditioner, leave-in, shine serum, and mousse. I just blow dry and throw some styling paste in. It's miraculous. If this product were a man, he would look like Timothy Olyphant, put the toilet seat down, encourage you to have seconds (maybe even thirds) and taste like chocolate.

Amanda

REVIEW: Revlon Colorstay Foundation

2010-04-29T20:59:00.001-05:00

I'm a greasy gal. I'm also in sales so I need something that is going to even my skin tone, withstand the oil slick that is my t-zone, and last through a 12+ hour day. I've tried Revlon Colorstay Foundation in the past, but I wasn't sold. It looked clumpy and downright streaky on my skin.

Due to my CVS Extra Bucks (of course) I was able to get a bottle of the Combination/Oily formula on the cheap. I'm pale, but I've got my spring glow going on, so I was able to buy the shade one step up from bloated white corpse. It was very exciting even though it's indicative of sun damage in 50 degree weather while wearing SPF 30. Sigh.

Here are my tips for successfully using a Colorstay foundation:

Exfoliate. Long-wearing foundations will accentuate every nook, cranny, and flake you have on your face. Scrub it off!
Moisturize and Protect. Slather on your sunscreen (I'm quite partial to Aveeno's Positively Radiant SPF Moisturizer).
Use a Foundation Brush. This formula dries quickly and can be streaky, so putting it on with your fingers can be a challenge. I use a fluffy foundation brush and start with my nose and work outward. I just want a thin layer for a little coverage. If you need full coverage, you can definitely achieve that with this formula.
If you need concealer, apply it over the foundation. Counter-intuitive I know. Just believe me.
I use a liquid highlighter on my cheekbones and a dab on my chin.
I don't finish with a powder. You know me and matte. We don't get along.

This might seem like a process, but in reality it takes less than 5 minutes. I get compliment worthy skin that actually lasts through a business day. I do get a case of the greasies by mid afternoon, but a blotting paper cures that, and the make-up stays on my face, not on the paper.

This is my new go to for work days. Keep on exfoliating ladies!

Amanda

Rediscovering Old Friends

2010-04-21T16:51:00.001-05:00

Do you ever pick up a product that you used ages ago and kick yourself for quitting it? I had that experience with Noxema. I haven't used it in years.

Yes. Noxema. Don't hate ladies. This minty, cold cream-ish, goo was a staple of my teen years. I had better skin then than I do now, and use of this product (in conjunction with good ol' St. Ive's Apricot Scrub) is probably why. AND IT'S CHEAP! You can't get much better than that. Unless it came with chocolate, booze, or Matthew McConaughey. Or if it vibrated.

I also got a coupon for CoverGirl Clean Make-Up and thought I would get super retro (circa '99) and try it out. It was almost free, so couldn't be that bad right?

Wrong. I should have used that 4 bucks to save the whales (and before you freak, I totally do contribute to ASPCA and other funds so back off PETA-breath). If you are going with a CoverGirl line, stick with Trublend. It isn't tragic like its older sister.

Have you guys used something again and had an epiphany that it was totally awesome?

Amanda

Here's Your Once Chance Fancy Don't Let Me Down

2010-03-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

I tried using a fancy-pants foundation from Stila. I placed all my hopes and dreams in this fancy little bottle that promised a one-step process to skin perfection. Putting down a decent chunk of change for this, I felt so sure that I would be transformed into a velvety-skinned goddess.

It was not to be. My skin turned into a red, flakey, mess. I looked like I was jonesing for a rock, but really I'm allergic to something in the product. I've passed the product on to one of my dear friends and blog commenter SGY. We will see if she has better luck with the stuff.

On a happier note, Physician's Formula was on sale at CVS and I picked up the Mineral Wear Correcting Concealer Trio. It's amazing. Corrective colors are hard for pale folk to wear, but when used with a light hand and paired with the Mineral Wear Powder foundation, it's magical. My skin is even and glowing despite my alcohol intake last night.

So my lessons learned:

I'm not a fancy gal. I don't need fancy make-up (nor does it need me apparently).
Sometimes sticking with what you know isn't boring, it's practical.
Physician's Formula keeps delivering. I love that brand almost as much as I love CVS.

Amanda

A Sunday Scrub-tacular!

2010-03-07T12:23:00.000-06:00

I love to exfoliate. There is nothing like blasting away old, nasty, dead skin cells and my mortal enemy, the blackhead.

Here are a few of my all time fav products, new and old:

St. Ive's Apricot Scrub: Hello old friend. You never cease to be an effective, reasonably-priced solution to problem skin. Almost everyone I know has used this, or the medicated version. It's a great product, and I always have on on hand.

L'Oreal Go 360! Cleanser: I was not tempted by this until a friend recommended it and I had a dollar off coupon. (Insert shout out to CVS here). I picked up the cream cleanser version and it is AMAZING. This stuff comes with a scrublet, which sounds super lame, but in reality is your face's best friend. It exfoliates without tearing your skin up, or causing micro-abrasions that old school products, sorry St. Ive's, can. And when it's on sale for 4 bucks, it's worth a try.

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub: This is a bit too hard core for regular use with my sensitive skin, but it kicks ass. Salicylic acid and mirobeads partner up to take problem skin to task.

Blast away at those blackheads ladies and gents!

Amanda

Let's Discuss

2010-02-22T21:15:00.000-06:00

How hot is Johnny Weir? Also, does everyone know he is a make-up maven? I want to be his wingman.

My Eyebrows

2010-02-15T10:28:00.000-06:00

My eyebrows are in need of serious help. I have bangs so I've neglected them. It's tragic.

REVIEW: The WORST Make-Up Ever

2010-02-13T11:25:00.000-06:00

I was very excited when I got a coupon to try Revlon's PhotoReady make-up. It's not even on their website yet. With the product performance I experienced, it won't be.

If you are a reader of da blog, you know that I'm not a fan of the super matte look. I like a little reflective property in a foundation or tinted moisturizer that mimics good skin. The marketing totally sucked me in with Hottie Halle Barry and "light reflective particles" and a COUPON: I know better now. In the words of the great songstress Kelis: you might trick me once, but your not gonna trick me twice. I'm on to you Revlon. You are suspect.

Let me just say that I have decent skin. I have a few fine lines, and some pore issues, but nothing major. I'm really just looking to cover up the pink and red tones that come with having skin the color of milk. I'm not looking for miracles, botox in a bottle, or anything crazy like that. I want a nice medium coverage base that will get me through the day at my marketing job without scaring any clients away. I wanna be me, but butter. That's a typo but it stays because butter is delicious. I also properly prepare my skin for make-up. I clean it. Exfoliate it. Moisturize it. Wear sun screen. I'll even wear a primer if I need to. I'm dedicated to a make-up's success. I'm its freakin' cheerleader.

Revlon Photoready foundation acted like I had done none of those things. It settled into every nook and cranny in my face. I looked like an English muffin. I didn't even know half of this stuff was happening on my face. It was a bad surprise, like The Others on Lost or the end of The Sopranos. My skin looked rough, flaky, and nasty. I looked like Britney post-breakdown. It was tragic. I have ok skin, and it did this to me. I can't imagine what it would do if you really had an issue you needed to deal with. Probably make you look like Gollum or the Crypt Keeper. Or Joan Rivers.

It also made my nose itch. That might have been the first twitches of rage I was feeling about this product though. This is the Gigli of foundations. Stay away from it. Hopefully they will yank it soon and we will all be safe once more.

I'm not the only gal that's had a bad experience. I feel validated.

Amanda

REVIEW: Generic Value Products

2010-02-11T21:16:00.000-06:00

Sally Beauty carries a line of knock-off styling products called Generic Value Products. For a mere fraction of the cost your usual bottle of Paul Mitchell or Biolage stylers, you can get two or three GVP's. Which is awesome. They even have knock-off Chi's. This is more of a confirmation that Sally's is a portal to a heavenly dimension, where everyone's hair is shiny, their eyebrows waxed, and their nails neatly manicured.

I love Matrix's Biolage Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioning Balm. It smells great, feels great and works great. It's also damn expensive. GVP's version is all of the above, without the pricetag, so a frugalista can luxuriate in nice suds, and still have a little green in her wallet. Awesome deals, awesome products.

My next flat iron and blow dryer will be GVP's. Maybe even bright pink ones. If I'm feelin' saucy.

PS Natalie Wood--When are we gonna stop and get some coffee?

REVIEW: Benefit Erase Paste

2010-01-07T16:21:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while, a chica deserves a product that can found outside of the glorious confines of CVS. I might have had a dirty martini, or two, and wandered into ULTA, whereupon I found an awesome product. I was totally swayed by the adorable Benefit packaging and the booze-soaked blue cheese olives, and I picked up a tiny pot of Erase Paste (around $24-26).

That's quite a few CVS items, but the smooth texture and pale color drew me in, and I deserved something nice damn it!

This stuff is great. You only get a small amount of product, but you really don't need that much. It's easily blended with a ring finger or a concealer brush, and provides even, believable coverage. I use it under my eyes, around my nose, and a little on my chin. It's pretty fab.

Go get thee some after you've had a few drinks.

Amanda

SGY Query

2009-12-23T13:04:00.000-06:00

SGY writes:

"As I continue to purge my talc-infested products, thanks to your sage advice, I feel hesitant to dump my fave Revlon 12 hr eyeshadow. So tell me something to help me hate it: can talc contribute to my sometimes dry-scratchy-burny eyes , or shall I continue to blame my kids for this?
My children's future depends on your answer.
PS The rest of my talc-free face sincerely thanks you"

It's true. Revlon eyeshadow is awesome--unless you have a talc sensitivity. Finding an eyeshadow without talc is a pretty difficult task. Talc is everywhere, and is usually one of the top 2 ingredients in powders and shadows. I of course hussled us over to CVS (aka God's Country) to find a solution.

We found a few options:

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast (Review to follow later).
L'Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Rich Color Cream Crayon
Almay Intense I-Color Powder Shadow (Only the new line. The originals still contain talc, so read your labels).
Almay Pure Blends Eye Shadow
Physician's Formula Organic Wear Eyeshadow Duo (Mineral Wear Shadow is also talc-free, but isn't always widely available. It wasn't at our CVS).

Revlon also makes a talc-free shadow, but the product isn't on their website so it might be limited-time only. Just read the labels ladies. Also, if a product doesn't list the ingredients, stay away from it.You have the right to know what is going on YOUR EYES. They aren't only a window to your soul, but a membrane that allows pathogens and other debris access to that hot body of yours.

Mica can also be an irritant to some, so if you are having issues do some "tests" to determine what the irritant really is. Another possible irritant is the age of your eyeshadow. It could be laden with bacteria and other irritants after months and months of use. I recommend 12-18 months as the throwing out point for shadows and eyeliners.

Alternatively, you can just blame your children, which I think is also a valid reason for itching, burning, and rage.

Amanda

My Make-Up Routine

2009-12-21T16:25:00.001-06:00

It might seem like I spend a really long time on my everyday make-up. Not so. My work make-up takes 7-10 minutes each day. I don't mess around. Here's what my everyday routine looks like:

Shower
Throw on SPF moisturizer and primer
Blow-Dry
Conceal

I conceal under my eyes, on my red-ass chin, and around my nose if I need it.

Smear on foundation if I need it

I start on and around my nose and move outward. I don't need it all over, and you probably don't either. Radiate it from problem areas and blend thoroughly. I like my finger or a foundation brush. Sponges soak up your product, so you use more while applying.

Blush it up

I swirl cream blush in the apples of my cheeks.

Sweep on eyeshadow and liner

I use an E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadow in Natural (light, coppery tone) applied with a brush. Then I use the Almay brighteyes white liner on the inside corners of my eyes and the lower waterline. Instant awake look. If my eyelashes are looking sparse, I rub in some brown eyeliner into the top lash line between the lashes, not above.

Highlight if I need it/Powder the t-zone

Highlighter is what makes celebrities pop and people in the know look better than they should. I sweep a bit of a golden cream formula (E.L.F. Shimmer Palette) on my cheekbones. Again this fakes a good night's sleep, and gives you a healthy, not glittery, glow.
I only apply a dusting of powder on my nose, and forehead. Sometimes I hit my chin too if I sense an oil-slick coming on.Too much powder gives you dead, lifeless skin IMO.

Curl Eyelashes/Mascara

Curling my eyelashes changed my life. I have straight eyelashes that angle down. Popping those babies up made my eyes look 8 times bigger. Do it. If I, a rugby-playing former tomboy can embrace this practice, you can too.

Lips

I use a sheer lipstick, balm, or gloss.

Having good staples makes your routine easier (and makes your look last longer). I also have everything organized, so I don't have to rummage for anything. It's always in the same predictable place. Also having a daily go-to routine makes you better and faster at applying your make-up.

Amanda

REVIEW: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty

2009-12-10T14:43:00.054-06:00

I love that this shit is inspired by Carmindy. Whatever Sally Hansen Natural Beauty. Carmindy is hot though,and this line is paraben free, like department store brands so I had to try it. I've also really come into my own with my winter pallor, and my beloved Physician's formula is too dark for me now--they don't carry a color called "Caucasian Corpse" so I'm outta luck there.

I got the following items:

Luminizing Face Primer
Your Skin Makeup Foundation in Ecru Beige

Sheerest Cream Blush in Beaming
Truly Translucent Powder in Neutralizer
Luminous Matte Pressed Powder in Light

Let's describe my skin issues first, so you know where I'm coming from. I'm pale with combination skin and redness around my nose. My t-zone oil could be used as a form of alternative fuel, while my cheek and chin can be flaky. In other words, I'm a hot mess. On to the reviews.

Luminizing Face Primer
This is great on the dry areas of my face. It helps calm and smooth the bumpy, flaky bits, and imparts a gentle shimmer. Not so great on the greasy bits, but I forgive it for the way it preps the other areas. A great first experience for primer virgins.

The bottle is crap though. It squirts product out all over if you don't watch it. Nas-tay.

Your Skin Makeup Foundation
I LOVE THIS. I'm more of a tinted moisturizer gal, but sometimes you need to step it up. This is pale without being pink, and has a lovely neutralizing yellow tone. It also comes in a color lighter than the one I purchased, so get on with yo fair self. Not much here for the dark-skinned diva though. The color range currently stops at a mid-deep tone. So boo on them for that.

The product comes in a pump (a working one unlike the primer) and you only need half a pump for a thorough yet natural-looking application. Without prepping (aka exfoliating, moisturizing, priming) this will settle into flakes and faults. However, you should be doing those things anyway. Make-up isn't magic ladies. You need to help your products out.

This is my new go to, and I would purchase it again.

Sheerest Cream Blush
Another new go to. Sheer application with a natural flush of color. Totally beautiful. I like a cream blush in the winter so my cheeks don't look parched and dried out by Chicago winters (aka totally brutal, bastard, in-your-face, sub-zero weather). Rosy without being clown-like, which often happens to white bitches like me. Go buy some now. You will be amazed at how fresh your look is with just this one product change.

NOTE: Do not use a cream blush over a powder or mineral foundation. Tragedy will ensue.

Truly Translucent Powder
When battling extra redness, I dust this across my nose and forehead, ever so lightly. Too much and I look yellow like the powder. Just a touch nixes shine and the reds in my tumultuous t-zone.

Medium-skinned ladies take the best to color-corrective products, so if you fall into that category and need some redness fighting assistance, get this.

NOTE: Rip out the nasty, useless sponge applicator in the lid and use a powder or kabuki brush instead.

Luminous Matte Pressed Powder
I grabbed this as a purse touch-up. So glad I did. Great compact with mirror and a great oil-absorbing, sheer product.

In Conclusion
This is over-all a great product line. It's comparable to more expensive brands and you look just as good. It's also available at the drugstore, so you can grab it when you run in for tampons and the latest In-Style mag.

UPDATE: Beautiful Lengths

2009-12-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

While in the midst of my Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths trial, I cut my hair. I'm an asshole, I know.

I have fine, thin, color-treated hair. When my hair was longer, Beautiful Lengths worked well. It helped coat the damaged areas, and I could concentrate the conditioner on the ends. Now that I have a bob, the silicone in it makes it flat and greasy-looking after a while.

In conclusion, if you have long, lovely locks, go for it. Stuff works great. Just use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any silicone build-up.

If you are short and sassy like me, pick another formula.

Review: ALMAY Pure Blends Foundation and Loose Powder

2009-11-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

I like ALMAY and I really, really wanted to fall in love with this product line and run away together to some tropical island, but it wasn't meant to be. My skin is super sensitive, so I thought the 97.4% natural ingredients would be a totally refreshing change.

Not so much.

The only change I noticed from the foundation is that I was a greasy mess. It provides little to no coverage. I don't mind light coverage. I like make-up that lets your skin breath and show through. Make-up is an enhancement, not a disguise. This formula just did not work for me. It was also extremely pink. I looked like a mortuary cosmetic school fail.

I held out hope, however, for the radiant loose finishing powder. I've expressed my dislike of being completely matte before, so I of course purchased the formula with what I though was going to be a a little pearly.

This shit had Edward Cullen sparkles in it. Large flakes of mica. It was kind of tragic. Much like Twilight.

In closing gentle readers, I suggest staying the hell away from ALMAY Pure Blends. Try Physician's Formula Organic Wear instead. It doesn't make you a twinkling vampiric shell of your former self.
Amanda

review: ALMAY bright eyes liner/highlighter duo

2009-11-16T10:01:00.002-06:00

ALMAY is usually a safe-bet for affordable goodness (with the exception of Pure Blends which I will review later). I have been lusting after the bright eyes liner/highlighter combo since it hit the shelves. Since I I had some cash in my pocket, and I may have been a little drunk, I finally picked one up.

The Good:

Nice size. Larger than average pencil makes it easy to hold and gives you lots o' product for your dollar.
Nice texture. Creamy and rich feeling, glides on for easy application.
The highlighter end is amazing. I'm rocking it on my lower waterline, inside corners of my eyes and under my eyebrow arch as I type. I look AWAKE and that is a total lie. I woke up looking like a backwoods zombie.

The Bad:

The eyeliner end goes on well initially, but isn't super long lasting.

The Ugly:

I'd recommend this product for a cheap alternative to BeneFit's "Bright Eyes" liner. It serves the same purpose for less than half the price. I'm not as in love with the traditional eyeliner. It's meh.

Amanda

Review: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

2009-11-11T16:39:00.002-06:00

Wow. All I can say about this product.

I purchased a black and a brown Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner on SGY's suggestion. I'm so glad I did. This shiz is the bomb. True, lasting color; creamy texture, and it's retractable! WIN. It holds true even on the waterline. I'm getting a little bit of transfer onto my upper eyelid from my Betty Draper liner job but that might be due to:

A. The massive amount of liner I used.
B. My greasy eyelids. McDonald's can't even hold a candle to grease my eyelids produce.

I NEED to own the one in Teal. It's calling to me from CVS. I'm not even kidding. Shut up Teal. I don't get paid until Friday. I can't hang out with you until then.

Amanda

The Poor Bitch's Moroccan Oil

2009-11-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

I'm too poor and sassy to buy the expensive ass real Moroccan Hair Oil, but I really want to try it out. Sally Beauty Supply saved my day yet again with their knock-off One 'n Only Argan Oil Treatment, which is supposedly made out of the same good stuff and is less than half the cost.

The jury is still out. I've only used it once, and I think I used too much. I will say that this stuff smells amazing, like warm amber with soft fruity notes. Wow. That sounded totally QVC but it's an accurate description.

I really want to like it. I'll let you know, dear and gentle readers, how this hair experiment turns out.

Amanda

No Poo Update

2009-11-09T15:43:00.000-06:00

No poo was an epic failure. My fine, color-treated hair rebelled like a 50's greaser kid hell bent on self-destruction. I caved after 2 days and washed the greasy mess that had become my hair. I looked like Jaime Lee Curtis from True Lies in the sexy, private dancer scene.

I was neither sexy, nor dancing for anyone privately.

So I caved and bought new shampoo, Pantene Pro-V's Beautiful Lengths Shampoo. I've heard good things about it, and it also supports women suffering from breast cancer by providing them with real human hair wigs. I totally got sucked in. I'll have a review up in a couple of weeks. I want to give it a good run before I make a decision on whether or not I lurve or hate it.

Special Review for Anna

2009-11-02T20:46:00.000-06:00

Anna writes:

"I have never found an eye liner that I like or works for me. I have to put eye drops in when I wear contacts so my eye liner always looks uneven or washes away. Any suggestions?

Also, when I am on my period I break out like I am a 14 year old girl - any cover up products you like?"

Well, I have never had the contact issue, but I do have allergies, so I sometimes look like I'm crying like a little bitch. It's not because I just got done watching Wall-E, I swear. Anyway, I have found that I like cheap waterproof liner. Wet N Wild to be exact. Yes. I said it. WET N FREAKIN' WILD. The H20 Blending Eye Pencil stays put. It's a little "harder" for lack of a better word, but it has true, long-lasting color, and I like the little smudger.

I'm cheap, so I have never ventured into the department store brands, but Laura Mercier's eyeliners have great reviews for staying power.

As for breaking out when Aunt Flo comes for a visit, I've got a few options. When I'm not rocking mineral make-up, I LOVE Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. It has a creamy, blendable concealer on one end, a a sheer, perfecting highlighter on the other. It's not going to cure an outbreak, but it will cover that hot mess that is your face up.

If you are interested in healing as well as concealing, I suggest using a concealer with blemish blasting salicylic acid in the formula. Neutragena, Almay, and my perennial fav Physician's Formula all have acne-treatment concealers. Be warned, salicylic acid can be drying. If you have sensitive skin or are already using a topical acne treatment, these formulas may not be for you. You could burn your face off and end up looking worse. Carrot Top worse.

Amanda

Review: L'Oreal Color Gems

2009-10-28T15:00:00.001-05:00

L'Oreal hair colors rank among my favorites. This product is another winner. Here's what L'Oreal has to say about Color Gems:

Ammonia-Free Creme Demi-Permanent Haircolor

Deposit only, true-to-tone color with uniform, natural-looking color results and no visible root line!
Smoothing polymers and shine enhancing ingredients deliver flawless shine and superior conditioning
Multi-use haircolor can be used for: enhancing or enriching haircolor, blending gray, toning highlighted or pre-lightened hair, deepening dull permanent color or lowlighting
Clear Diamond Gloss shade adds extra shine without color deposit
10-20 minute color processing
Available in 30 sparkling gem shades

In other words, it's gentle on your hair, can darken or tone your color, but not lighten, and adds a ton of shine.

This shit is amazing. Your hair becomes silky and shiny, and there is no lingering chemical smell. It's also blessedly cheap. The color and a bottle of developer (which has 2-4 applications in it) costs under $10.00. This does require a trip to Sally's. I'm an at home hair guru, so I have mixing bottles, brushes, and a box of gloves at home. These are necessary to measure the developer and mix the color. A brush also helps with clean and easy application, particularly around the hairline.

This product is demi-permanent, so you will get some wash out. Deal with it. You can dye it in a few weeks to maintain the rich, healthy color. I'm naturally dark blond, and I dye my hair a deep, golden brown with Color Gems.

If you have been going steady with Natural Instincts, Color Gems is the older more experienced brother that's always hangingaround that you'd like to try out. Go for it.

Amanda

Review: E.L.F. Studio Line Brushes

2009-10-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

I have three E.L.F. Studio Line Brushes:

The Complexion Brush

Powder Brush

and Concealer Brush

I hands down recommend the powder and complexion brush. You can't beat the quality and performance for a brush that runs $3.00 a pop. I got mine for half-off. I feel like I ripped them off, so it feels me with glee when I use them. I use the powder brush for a thicker application of mineral make-up, and the complexion brush for light application. I also use it for blush and bronzer. If you had to pick on all-around winner, I would pick the complexion brush. I would wither without it. Or at the very least have splotchy skin.

The concealer brush is a fail. I've tried it with both cream and powder concealers, and it just doesn't cut it. It's so stiff it hurts your damn face and it doesn't blend well. I've started using it for eyeshadow instead if I need to really lay something in the crease.

Amanda

Review: L'Oreal Superior Preference Hair Dye

2009-10-22T16:25:00.001-05:00

L'Oreal Superior Preference Hair Dye

Color: 2B

I love this product. And gosh darn it, I'm worth it! I'm worth being 28 and wanting to cover ashy colored brownish hair that is sprinkled with excessive amounts of what I think is pre-mature (although maybe well-deserved....to some extent) gray hair. And I'm worth having the perfect color to do it with!

L'Oreal Superior preference leaves your hair shiny and smooth, and the color lasts for a solid 5-6 weeks (I don't care what they tell you, 5-6 weeks is all you are gonna get out of any box color). L'Oreal cannot help the fact that my hair grows like a weed, so the roots keep me coloring it at a solid 4-5 weeks, otherwise I develop the skunk stripe that only those of us that dye light hair darker can truly appreciate. The color 2B is the perfect blend of being not 100% black (white people's hair is never that black) and yet not that brownish/redish that lighter colors tend to become all too quick if they are not 100% black.

So, if you are looking for a balanced color that really gives you that espresso dark hair, I've been using this product for about 1-year,....I will literally go into frantic panic-attack mode if my local pharmacy/grocery store is sold out. I refuse to substitute.... because I'm worth it!!!

Olivia

PS: This is Amanda. The conditioner in these babies is pretty good too. I wish they sold big bottles of it.

To Shampoo or not to Shampoo

2009-10-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

I'v been reading about the new beauty movement of "No-poo." It sounds dirty and nasty but I promise it's not. No-pooing is not shampooing, but using alternative methods to clean the tresses. There are some great articles on No-Poo here and here

I have super-fine hair, so I choose the no-poo with cheap conditioner method.

I'll be honest, my hair feels nas-tay. I might wash tomorrow and experiment with the baking soda and vinegar method.

Part of my problem might be that I freaking love shampoo. I love the way it smells. I love the way it makes my hair feel. I love owning bottles and bottles of it so I have a variety of it to choose from. Oh gosh. I am so excited just thinking about all that shampoo. It makes me quiver.

Anyway, I don't know if no-poo is for me. Any thoughts?

Amanda

Review: E.L.F. Complexion Perfection

2009-10-21T20:23:00.000-05:00

E.L.F.'s Complexion Perfection promises to even out skin tone and absorb excess oil. It is a four color corrective powder palette, using pink, yellow, orange, and blue to diffuse and color correct.

At least that it what it's supposed to do. Sigh.

The Good: It looks soooo cool.

Does absorb access oil.
Great packaging and large mirror.
Evens out skin tone somewhat.

The Bad:

Chalky.
Even with light application it can look "dusty " on your face.
Not a real noticeable improvement in skin tone.

The Ugly: Over it. A regular skin-toned powder would provide better, more natural coverage. Don't be sucked in by the cool packaging.

Amanda

The Epic Journey of SGY

2009-10-21T15:32:00.000-05:00

A good friend and blog commenter, SGY, is doing a make-up overhaul. I promised to chronicle her journey via the blog.

Susan is a mother of 3 boys under the age of 10, so she needs a quick, effective beauty regimen that she can actually maintain. She also suffers from rosecea, so the products need to be non-irritating.

I'm dragging her ass to CVS tomorrow to hit up Physician's Formula.

Review: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

2009-10-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have blond eyelashes. Like Powder. So I like a volumizing mascara to make me less terrifying to the general public. Oliva and Sarah swear by L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara. Sarah (SRS) has used it since the 8th grade. Her eyelashes look like an effing commercial, so I defer to her expertise. Olivia also has some pretty peepers too. Tramps.

The Good:

Unlike most volumizing mascaras that leave a mess all up on your face, this has a great clean application.
Doesn't clump.
Can be used on bottom lashes without looking freakish.

The Bad:

SRS warns against the use of the color "Carbon Black." The formula is thinner and isn't as effective.
When the tube is "done" it turns against you. This is good and bad. At least you know when to buy new mascara (some of us have the tendency to keep using bacterial laden tubes of old favorites).

The Ugly: Love it. I'm a convert. I haven't had a good mascara experience in a long while.

Amanda

Review: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear

2009-10-20T22:16:00.002-05:00

I have to start this post by saying I am truly, madly, deeply in lurve with the products I have tried in this line. The review is going to be biased because as I sit here at 9:30pm, my skin is glowing with mineral perfection. For reals.

I'm allergic to the world, so mineral lines appeal to me and my delicate (ahem) nature. I have tried Bare Minerals, the Neutragena Line, and of course, E.L.F.'s attempt at cashing in on the mineral cow. Bare Minerals was ok, but a little too pink for me. Neutragena's Mineral Sheers are very light and great, but too dark for me as I begin to develop my winter pallor.

I tried the following Physician's Formula Mineral Wear products:

Tinted Moisturizer
Loose Powder
Illuminating Veil
Perfecting Concentrate

Tinted Moisturizer
The tinted moisturizer is awesome. Not too thick, not too thin, and easily blendable. It also has SPF 15. Yay. I recommend this hands down.

Perfecting Concentrate
I paired the tinted moisturizer with the Perfecting Concentrate. It's like a Swiss Army knife. It can be used as a spot concealer, overall foundation, or sheer powder. I use it as an under eye concealer and to cover up my the ridiculous amount of red that is my nose. I look like Rudolph after he goes on a 3-day bender. The pen-like applicator is also super portable. You can stick it in your pocket or your purse, and the tiny kabuki brush works amazingly well for the range of applications. Epic win. Rocky vs. Drago win.

Loose Powder
This is another super sweet find. It can be worn as a light powder, or applied as a foundation. Again, the application range is amazing, the color blendable, and the pigments very fine. Minus 5 million points for the crappiest packaging in history. The container is cute, but useless, and unless your face is that of a small child, the kabuki brush follows the same line. I used my own big people brushes and loved the results of the actual product itself.

Illuminating Veil
I'm not a huge fan of matte, so I went with the illuminating veil. This has a nice, pearly finish. Not too sparkly. You won't look like an extra from Xanadu, I promise. They also have a mattifying version available. It gives the tinted moisturizer a refined, finished look without being heavy, or if you are going all powder minerals, it really softens and diffuses. You look hot.

I think I have found my new standards. This shit is the bomb. Get thee to the drugstore. The prices are also amazingly reasonable for the amount and quality you get: $8.00-14.00. And PF has some great bogo and half-off sales.

The PF website also has some informative (and mildly amusing) videos on using their products here.

Heart,

Amanda

Review: Olay Definity Color Recapture

2009-10-20T12:22:00.003-05:00

I noticed that the hands of time aren't being kind to my skin. There are changes in texture and some fine lines. I decided to be proactive and throw some damn product at it before it was too late.

There are so many products to choose from it's ridiculous. I chose the Definity Color Recapture for several reasons:

Oil of Olay is a "trusted" brand.
The promises sounded pretty good:

Anti-Aging UV moisturizer that penetrates deep and hydrates to diminish the appearance of discoloration and wrinkles over time
SPF 15 for broad spectrum protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays
Sheer illuminating coverage to instantly even skin

The swirl in the bottle looked super fancy.
I had a CVS coupon.

The Good:

I have noticed a positive change in my skin texture, tone, and a reduction in fine lines over time.
I have very sensitive skin and there was no irritation.
The swirl is still there and remains fancy.
Lightly moisturizing.
Pale enough for me!

The Bad:

If you wear this alone you will look like a shiny demon. It literally looks like your face has been dipped in a plasticized preservative. You might be confused with Nicole Kidman leaving her botox factory.
It can "peel" when rub your face or out other make-up over it.

The Ugly: Despite it's flaws, it's a great product. You will see an improvement in your skin. You can cover up the creepy sheen and go about your day knowing your skin is lookin' better.

Heart,

Amanda

Review: E.L.F. Mineral Make-Up

2009-10-20T11:53:00.007-05:00

I love E.L.F. They have some fantastic beauty buys, many of which we will be delving into.

I was intrigued by their mineral make-up line. I read many of the reviews. My interest was piqued. So I purchased the following products when they had a sale:

Mineral Foundation
Mineral Concealer
Mineral Booster
Mineral Eyeshadow
Mineral Lipgloss

The Good:

The mineral eyeshadows and lipglosses are outstanding. The colors are a bit deceiving online, but the silky texture and sheer application are winners.
In short, I love them. I have three of them and dream about owning each and everyone. I might even buy them their own bag. They are that awesome. Buy some.

When it comes to the foundation and friends, however, not so much.

I do have to admit something. I reflect light I am so pale. Right now, I still have a mild tan due to the fact that SPF 100,000 can't even protect me from earth's yellow sun. That makes me the color of your Great-Grandma Maggie who hasn't ventured outdoors since the Reagan administration. So, I am a challenging customer.

The Bad:

E.L.F. is one of the companies that equates being pale with being orange. When I applied the mineral foundation I looked like I had escaped from the Wonka Chocolate Factory. I resembled Paris Hilton after a run-in with a bottle of Grey Goose and a can of spray tan. Oompa freakin' Loompa.

The Ugly: I think if you have medium to deep skin tones it might be a different story. When you are the color of paste, it fails. So, foundation fail. Eyeshadow and lip gloss win.

Heart,

Amanda

Welcome to Broke Ass Beauty

2009-10-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

My name is Amanda and I am here to help the chicas of the world avoid all the money-wasting mistakes I made while purchasing cosmetics and beauty products. I'll be honest--I've blown quite a bit of green on some pretty worthless crap.

Looking good makes you feel good. It can also be an important part of your professional image. It shouldn't be a chore or a huge financial investment. My ass is broke. Money should be going to pay off those student loans, not evening out my unfortunate skin tone.

We are going to try and keep it real here. Most of the stuff I'll be reviewing can be found at your local drugstore, or easily obtained online. I'm also hoping to enlist my friend so we can get this party started in a big way.

Broke Ass Beauty

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It's a G-D Shame.

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REVIEW: Generic Value Products

REVIEW: Benefit Erase Paste

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My Make-Up Routine

REVIEW: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty

UPDATE: Beautiful Lengths

Review: ALMAY Pure Blends Foundation and Loose Powder

review: ALMAY bright eyes liner/highlighter duo

Review: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

The Poor Bitch's Moroccan Oil

No Poo Update

Special Review for Anna

Review: L'Oreal Color Gems

Ammonia-Free Creme Demi-Permanent Haircolor

Review: E.L.F. Studio Line Brushes

Review: L'Oreal Superior Preference Hair Dye

To Shampoo or not to Shampoo

Review: E.L.F. Complexion Perfection

The Epic Journey of SGY

Review: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Review: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear

Review: Olay Definity Color Recapture

Review: E.L.F. Mineral Make-Up

Welcome to Broke Ass Beauty

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