Dr Murad Energizing Pomagranate Cleanser

I'm finally back after so long with a product review: the Murad Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser.

Usually I'm more of a drugstore skincare kind of girl. Having tried most brands I decided it was finally time to invest in a decent facial wash.
Drugstore gel washes have always left my skin tight, dull and dry (and yes - I've tried every brand from St. Ives and Neutrogena to Clean & Clear and L'oreal). Cream cleansers leave my skin feeling a bit icky like there is a film or product left behind.
So usually I end up washing my face less so as not to strip my skin of essential moisture and oils.


My skin type:
I'm in my mid twenties and used to suffer from acne as a teen. Luckily, now I only suffer from the occasional breakout and oily/combination skin. But I was definitely longing for that "glowy" and healthy skin look- sans make-up.


Enter the Murad Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser, and helloooooo: you cleanse and tone in one step.

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Product info: ($26 for 5.1 fl Oz)
This dual-action foam cleanses and exfoliates with AHAs to leave skin clear, soft and smooth, while Energizing Pomegranate Complex™ infuses skin with a healthy glow.

Additional features and ingredients:
•Witch Hazel removes excess oil without stripping skin of its natural moisture (good bye harsh acne fighters!)
•Tones and tightens pores

The verdict:
As soon as I tried this face wash I noticed the difference compared to all other gel and cream cleansers I've used in the past. One pump is enough to leave your skin feeling soft and cleansed. But bear in mind, just like all other cleansers, this won't be enough to remove foundations and make-up, so I use my Pond's make-up remover before. However this cleanser does work great on removing natural oils, dirt and any other breakout causing skin impurities. It feels so light you could easily use this in the morning and at night.
The smell is also pleasantly fresh and fruity!

Is the higher price justified? Absolutely! I can honestly say I'm sold on Murad products. Even though I'm a budget beauty lover and rarely venture outside the drugstore, I feel like it's ok to spend a bit more if I can notice a difference.
You could aksi rationalize the price by the fact that you only need one pump of this product to wash your entire face and it will last you a few months. The bottle is quite large and and you won't need a separate toner-this really came in handy when I took this on vacation with me. Just fabulous!

What's your favorite facial cleanser and have you tried this one?

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Forever 21 Nailpolish Review + Swatch: Green

This is the first polish I picked up from Forever 21.

The shade I'll be reviewing today is "Green" ($2.80). On the Forever21 website I saw it labeled as "Olive Green":

This is a beautiful creme forest green shade, not olive green as the name may suggest. I've been searching for a similar color everywhere to add to my collection, even though this doesn't exactly scream Spring.



I got a few other polishes and will be reviewing. Some I liked, some I didn't, but I LOVE this nail polish!The consistency is a bit thick but:

• It dries quick;
• Only took 2 coats to receive an almost opaque coverage.

I don't think I'd change anything about this and it will also be of great use when Konad-ing. 

If you like their polishes, I suggest ordering online since you get so much more variety. In stores you're likely to find just 10 shades at most.

Have you tried any Forever21 nail polishes? Love 'em or hate 'em?

Sigma Make-up Brand New Cleansing And Polishing Tool

I was so excited  when I read about the release of the new Sigma face cleanser, since I've been dying to try out the Clairisonic, but can't convince myself to pay the high price. Sigma Makeup has designed and today released their version of the Clarisonic Cleansing System at a fraction of the price!

Clarisonic's versions costs anywhere from $150 to $225 on the Sephora website. Sigma's only costs $39, which is something I'd have no problem spending.

The main difference between the Clairisonic vs Sigma cleanser is the head on the brush which spins/rotates while the head on the Clarisonic simply vibrates. The Sigma cleanser also comes with three interchangeable brush heads (soft, medium, and firm) and has it's own travel/storage case. It also works at two speeds, normal and high.

To view more pictures and a video demonstration of The Cleansing and Polishing Tool at work, check this out.

Today is the last day to use their coupon code for the month of May.
coupon code: LUCK2011 to get 10% off of your total order! :)

I hope this helps anyone who's interested or anyone who was looking for a cheaper alternative to the Clarisonic system. :)

New Sigma F80 Brush (Sigmax Collection) + Review

UPDATE: 6 weeks since I first used it and I'm still using it every single day! I just can't get over how QUICK and flawless this brush buffs in my foundation. I use it and have my foundation applied in less then 30 seconds. 

Still high from my shoe shopping yesterday, I came home to find my Sigma package at home, sitting on the table. I eagerly tried ripping open the box and 3 minutes later I was holding the much talked about Sigma F80 brush! *insert angels singing* (FYI They have a discount coupon ending this week: STYLE2011 for 10% off and sales going on)


Sigma describes this brush as a:

Flat top synthetic kabuki designed to deliver flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation.
The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament.

(Sigma also sells the retractable kabuki with a cover for travel or throwing in your purse.)



Density:
As soon as I looked at it, I thought it looked alot of my MAC 130 brush, but much... much denser! It's packed so thick you can barely see the bottom of the brush and the bristles don't seperate easy. This makes it PERFECT for quickly applying make-up. And even better: your make-up doesn't absorb or sink into the bristles so you use less product! :D

The difference between the Sigma F80 ($16), MAC 187and the MAC 130 brush:
Both MAC brushes are duo fiber, while the Sigma is synthetic. These synthetic bristles are extremely soft; I'm impressed! The first day I got the brush, I couldn't stop touching it, as the feeling of it against your skin as amazing.


So what makes it different and why is it a good addition?

MAC 130 ($40): Over time I've come to find it rather time consuming to get even coverage over my entire face, because the MAC 130 is so small. But don't get me wrong, it's still a good brush, just not my preferred anymore. I've now stashed it away.

MAC 187 ($42): I prefer the MAC 187 to the MAC 130 for foundation because it's larger, but it does leave minor streaking compared to the Sigma F80.

These brushes aren't comparable when it comes to shape.

The only way to compare them would be by the application and results they give.
The Sigma F80 spreads out foundation evenly, giving a fully airbrushed look. Thanks to the flat, full brush you also get none of the cakey look some foundations can give.  You can choose which way you want to apply your foundation: stippling or buffing in. And you waste less foundation because it doesn't get absorbed into the brush.

Shedding / Cleaning:
I haven't had any shedding problems with it, and I suppose that's also because of the synthetic bristles.

As far as cleaning goes: it's dense so it takes while to dry! I guess you could try using a blow drier from far?
And deep cleansing is required from time to time, so you avoid staining. Also,I haven't had any bleeding issues.

Other uses for this brush:
Bronzing and contouring.

If I had to recommend just ONE brush from Sigma I'd say this is it! Of course, being a make-up enthousiast, I'd recommend alot of the other ones too, but this one is their most raved about brush of the moment- and I now see why.


Also, I have to add that I truly love the fact that the brushes come with protectors. Am I alone on this? It really irks me that my expensive MAC brushes don't, and when they're drying or over time they tend to look frayed.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Sigma make-up Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Nars Orgasm Blush Swatch + Dupe

NARS blushes are raved about as one of the highest quality blushes you can spend money on. But let's be honest, not everyone is willing to spend $30 on a blush.




If you're looking for similar colors and finishes (a.k.a. dupes) of the #1 selling NARS Orgasm blush, try this one:

NARS 'Orgasm'- $26.00            Mark 'After Glo' - $7.00

Both blushes are a peachy-pink color with gold shimmer/sheen to them. Though the NARS one has more noticable gold flecks, Mark 'After Glo' blush is slightly darker and a little goes a long way. Personally I prefer the .mark blush seeing as it looks better during the day time.

The great thing about this color is the fact that it would suit most skin tones, in particular fair-medium.

Benefit Bella Bamba Review + Swatch

Are you dissapointed with past Benefit blushes that haven't shown up well on your medium to dark skin tone or even to your liking? You NEED Bella Bamba in your life!

Recently Benefit came out with a new blush called Bella Bamba ($28). It's best described as a "watermelon" pink blush with shimmers. The packaging also has the words "3D" which is due to the shimmer that gives highlighting and dimension to cheekbones.

Bella Bamba Swatch

 

The packaging has also noticably been revamped with a flip top lid + mirror as well as a sturdier, rounded blush brush. And then there's the sparkly, holographic outer box wrapping.

Now if you're a Benefit Cosmetics fan you may think this is alot like Coralista, but on the contrary... After comparing Bella Bamba vs Coralista I'd pick Bella Bamba.

Coralista is very pretty with peach undertones, but also bit too light for nights out. I always find myself needing to layer it over another blush so it shows up when I'm taking pictures. (I have medium/olive skin and light blushes can look washed out on me.) 

Another difference is the smell. Coralista had a tropical fruity smell, while Bella Bamba has more of a sweet, candy fragrance to it.

As always Benefits blushes have always great quality and pigmentation - then again, they better be for the price!

You'll love and NEED Bella Bamba if:

• You loved Coralista.
• Are looking for something slightly darker then NARS Orgasm and/or where dissapointed by it.
• People with dark or olive skin tones. Due to the shimmers and sheen it will show up well too.
• If you want a pink, buildable blush that can be used lightly with smokey eyes, and more heavily with natural eye make-up. 

Will you be buying Bella Bamba?


Free US shipping with any Benefit Cosmetics order! Enter FREESHIP at checkout. Offer ends 2.2.11.

Check out this video for a better look at the packaging and color:

3 Heat Defense Sprays Compared

If you use a dryer or flat iron your hair is exposed to alot of damaging factors. It's always best to protect it as much as you can. I've used 3 different (budget friendly or "drugstore") heat protecting products on my hair and decided to do a comparative review:

• Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight ($4-5)
• Alberto Vo5 Heat Protect Styling Spray ($4-5)
• Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray ($10.50)

Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight Heat Spray weighed down my hair extremely and left it sticky. It smelled good, but that's about it. I didn't use the whole bottle and eventually just threw the rest out - so you can get a good idea how much I disliked it.

I like design of this Alberto V05 bottle though, because it reminds me a bit of window cleaning sprays- kinda fun. The fragrance of V05 was also fresh, without smelling too strong. It's an alcohol free formula which also contains 5 vitamins and a UV filter.
Though I found it better then Herbal Essences heat protecting spray it still left my hair weighed down and slightly sticky.

You guessed it, my favorite is the Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defense spray, even though it costs double- I got it on sale when I was in London (at Boots). Though my hair needs to be washed 2 days after I use it, I still feel this product leaves my hair feeling the least sticky of the 3. It also leaves my hair straighter and less wavy before I even use my flat iron, without weighing my hair down one bit.
I bought it together with the finishing shine spray which I rarely use.

What's your favorite heat protecting hair product?

Bath And Body Works Haul

A few months back I stocked up on items from the Bath &Bodyworks sale. I think they have items on discount year round, so you can find or try new scented treats without having to spend alot!

I bought 3 full size, and 2 mini items for less then $13 with tax!

I bought the following (btw, if I'm not dscribing the smell fully it's because their name says it all: e.g. Warm Vanilla Sugar body wash smells EXACTLY like that):

• Tutti Dolci Mango Sorbetto cream body wash: (in my August favorites) originally this was $3 (marked down from $12 I think). It's a luxurious and satin creamy body wash that leaves skin super soft too (thanks to the Sweet Almond Protein). I'm drawn to beauty products that smell fruity or fresh so this is my favorite item. Great for shaving as well.

• Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel: (smallest size --> 3 oz- in real life the bottle is about 10cm tall) A friend of mine couldn't stop raving about this smell so I just had to try it out for myself, but this turned out to be my least favorite: the smell is too faint for me. And in general I dislike Bath & Body Works Bath GELS- They're actually a bit drying like most clear gels, so I wouldn't buy these again. (Retail $5. Bought for $2.)

 

• Velvet Tuberose Shower Gel: At first I didn't like this one much, because it smelt a bit "spicy" but it's definitly grown on me and has become one of my favorite scents. I like the fact that it has a stronger scent and smells like roses with a little something extra. (Retail $5. Bought for $2.)

• Liplicious Tasty Lip Color in Hot Cakes: a dusty rose pink lip gloss with ALOT of pretty shimmers and what I loved most is that it smells like sweet pancakes drizzeled in syrup. Yummmmm. They're a bit sticky, but nothing unbearable; I prefer using this on it's own or throwing it in my bag for emergencies. These are usually $7 but I got it for $2 so I'm not really complaining.

Here's a small swatch below (one is a drop of it, and the other is blended in a bit)

• Black Currant Vanilla Sensual Luxury Bath: don't let the name Black currant and Vanilla fool you into thinking it's sweet: it was definitly a strong spicy smell (but if I'm not mistaken bubble baths are supposed to smell more concentrated and you only use a little).
  
  
  Unfortunately, since these come in glass containers, it broke when it tilted over in my shower. Boo.:( I tried salvaging it, but since it had pieces of glass in it wasn't worth taking the risk. What's worse is that it left my bathroom and entire house smelling of it for days. This was $16.50 marked all the way down to $3 for 15oz! :) 

I really recommend trying out the scents at Bath and Body for yourself, because alot of times I think something will smell great, but when I get a whiff it turns out to smell really "ick". I thought I'd like Green Tea & Cucumber but boy was I wwwrong (that's just one example).

What are your favorite products from B&B?



Korres Make-up Haul/Review

Korres (originated in Greece) is one of those brands that really doesn't get as much attention as it should. I've recently become a HUGE Korres fan, specially with all the awareness being raised about cosmetic/beauty  ingredients which could be harming us, and worse: causing long term effects.

I do want to be more safe with the products I use but on the other hand don't want to give up using my precious make-up. What's a girl to do? Find more natural alternatives of course- ahem... without having to sacrifice pigmentation and wear. :)

Here's what makes me feel better about using Korres and their choices when it comes to ingredients (click images to enlarge):

Newho, without further a do... my stash:

I thought I'd break down my review into 2 parts.
This post will be about their make-up and Part 2 will be about the Brightening Wild Rose Serum (which btw really DOES smell like sweet sweet roses... Mmmmmmm! Need... to... find.... the whole range... so I can slather myself in it from head to toe.)

No but seriously, I'm now on the lookout for a similarly scented candle.

Zea Mays Powder Blush in 44 Orange ($24) (0.21 oz): I'd been lusting for similar blush shades to the one MAC came out with ("Ripe Peach"). And no0o0o, I wasn't going to settle for coral shades-- which essentially look pink when applied. I wanted more of a tan orange shade.

When I first examined the blush, I was reminded of Benefits Coralista: square and flat shaped packaging, tiny shimmers and silky texture- this blush is almost the same but less pink with a hint of orange tones.

I would best describe the color as having a burnt peach or grapefruit color. When looked at from the side with light reflecting off it, you'll see finely milled shimmers that gives it a soft gold sheen. This would be my ideal pick if I where to do a "back from the beach" or bronzed "goddess" look.

The blush is highly pigmented and smooth, not to mention the fact that it doesn't come off too shimmery (yay for not looking like an outdoor disco-ball!). I've only used it once so far but it lasted all day long, giving a peachy flush- without being TOO orange like the name may suggests.

Guava Extended Wear Lipsticks ($22): These slim lipsticks also provide intense hydration; I would say they last a few hours. Now, I'm not a fan of pigmented lipstick during the day but for some reason these aren't that intimidating. I'm thinking it may have to do with the smoothness of them and the fact that they're not drying. They also remove easily without staining or getting all over your skin. 

#55 RED:  A wearable red with no orange or blue undertones.

#34 NUDE: I wouldn't say this is a nude, because I have rather pigmented lips and this one is almost the same shade- actually the color is alot like NYX Natural gloss. I like the fact that it's a peachy nude, not a beige concealer-like one and it would look great paired with a pale pink gloss over (like NYX Smokey Look).

The pricing isn't exactly cheap, but at the same time these do look good on. I guess it really depends if you'd be willing to spend $22 on lipsticks and if the hydration-factor matters. (Most long wearing lipsticks can be drying).

Intense- pigment combines with guava extract, providing a long- lasting, creamy formula with a matte, yet silky finish.

• Guava extract, a powerful antioxidant, fights free radicals and maintains plump, youthful lips

• Proprietary blend of lip-nourishing actives smooths fine lines and hydrates
• Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Shea and Cocoa Butter combine to provide intense pigment that lasts

Mango Butter Lipsticks with SPF 10 ($18):

I prefer these (sheer, hydrating & glossy) lipsticks more- they're right up my alley for daytime wear! I'm a lipbalm and chapstick kinda girl so I love the fact that these are less sticky/shiny then glosses with none of that frosty mess that comes with certain "tinted" balms. The more you layer, the more color pop you get.

I also have the Korres Lip Butter in Mango, which looks very much like #45 CORAL: personally I prefer the Lip butters balms ($10) over these lipsticks because when patted on those look glossier and make my lips look delectable- if I do say so myself. These lipsticks are obviously darker when applied, which doesn't look as natural.  On the other hand, these lipsticks are more hygenic then the balms which require you to dip your fingers into them.

#45 CORAL: a coral bright orange shade (the brightness of the color isn't showing up well in the picture below- but in reality it looks like a sheer orange red). I thought this would be like Mac's Ever Hip lipstick from the Liberty of London collection, but it's actually a redder and brighter coral (even though it's sheer. See my FOTD using this lipstick here.)

#25 NATURAL PURPLE: This one looks like it would be the darkest of the bunch, but it's probably the most natural giving just a hint of sheer red-berry color to the lips. It really depends how much you layer these.

LIPSTICK SWATCHES (Left to right: #55 Red - #34 Nude - #25 Natural Purple - #45 Coral  

I'm actually really surprised by the quality seeing as I haven't alot of bloggers Korres reviewins. I'm also usually a skeptic when it comes to make-up that's made using less chemicals (or even mineral make-up). So these definitely changed my mind, and I can't wait to try more from this brand, specially their foundation.

Have you tried Korres? What are your thoughts on their products and these?

August Beauty Favorites!

For the past 2 months I've been trying to wear as little make-up as possible. Now that definitly means something else to every person.
I haven't been using too many new products, but instead I've found new ways to use products I already own/was using. These are all surprisingly super budget friendly too.:)

1) Tinted moisturizer: I haven't managed to find a tinted moisturizer that gives coverage. Most just go on sheer or make me look way darker. So I make the perfect combination (to my liking) by blending my holy grail moisturizer Proactive Oil-Free with SPF 15 and Revlon Colorstay Foundation. It gives the perfect light coverage to even out my skin tone, plus stays put all day (thanks to the Colorstay Foundation which is known for that).

2) Rimmel Eyeshadow in Jet Black ($4): I've actually been using this (wet) as a liner on my top lashline and it's sooo pigmented. The only thing is this method isn't as longlasting as liquid liner.

3) Coastal Scents concealer Camo quads (in Medium) ($7). (My full review of it here).



4) Sonia Kashuk angled blush brush: I got this for about $12 at Target. I love this because it has a smaller brush head compared to regular blush brushes, and allows for more precise placement/blush contouring.

5) Korres Lip Butter in Mango ($10) (My full review here).

6) Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel ($8): I've been breaking out like crazy the past week. So of course I turn to my trusty on the spot gel. This one also gets a big thumbs up from me. It's slightly more affective then the regular Neutrogena On The Spot creams/gels. Plus it helps fade acne marks.

7) Tutti Dolci Crème Brulee Body Wash ($7): I got this on sale at Bath and Body Works and my ggggod does this smell devine! I was never a huge fan of spending money on bath products (I'm just more of a soap bar girl... or should I say I WAS). This is so rich and moisturizing, it feels like satin on the skin and leaves it smooth, which makes it great for shaving too. And true to it's name it does smell like Tutti Fruity Candy or gelato. Needless to say this is my favorite bath product at the moment and if I ever come across it again I'm buying 2 backups. Yummm..

So what are some of your August favorites?

Konad: Sea Blue Siren

Here's an aqua blue KOTD I tried out. This was my first time trying out the M21 nail plate. The paint splat nail design is the whole reason I ordered this plate, but sadly I'm on the fence about it the end results.

What do you think?

Using: Konad M21 Plate, Wet N Wild White Creme Nail Polish, LA Colors in Sea Siren (one coat)

Mini review: I found this LA Colors Color Craze nail polish for only $1.50 (though you could probably get it cheaper) and was excited to run out to buy more. After using it more then once I realised that the consistency is way too thick. I like that it gives full coverage in just one coat and is so cheap, but dislike how difficult it is to remove/clean-up ---> mildly left my nails stained blue even though I only had it on for less then an hour.
That beign said, these polishes make horrible all over nail colors, but are perfect for Konad Nail Stamping.

Favorite Make Up Primer: Proactive Daily Oil Control

For many of you summer is just ending. Now I can't really complain about living where the weather is warm and sunny year round, but you can imagine what a gross oil slick my face must resemble by the end of the day, and that's not counting my make-up also melting off.

If you've read my blog posts about acne you may know I used Proactive (5-6 years back) which greatly helped clear up my skin. (I have to add that during the past years alot of people have commented that their products are too strong or didn't help. Maybe they've changed the formula, or it could just be that everyone has different skin types- but that's a whole other topic.)

Back when I bought my kit it came with the Proactive Daily Oil Control Gel. I used it on and off and found it to help. But over the years, as I became more beauty-obsessed I tried it under my make-up one day and voila! It seemed like I'd found my holy grail face primer sitting in my bathroom. A quick google search and the results and reviews I read seemed to confirm my speculation.

Price: $26 (On Amazon.com)

Pro's:

-Personally I like the fragrance. It's light and fresh.

-A little goes a long way. I only use a dime size drop for my entire face- and I still haven't managed to finish my first tube, I think this will probably last me over a year. You never want to apply too much of ANY primer, as it can have the opposite desired effect.

-I feel like it provides somewhat of a protective barrier between my make-up and skin, specially when I apply an oil-free moisturizer over it. (Yep I also use Proactive Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 and LOVE it. If you have oily, acne prone skin definitely check it out.)

Con's:
-Not exactly cheap- yet still cheaper then Smashbox Photofinish and other facial primers.
-Alot of people complain this dries their skin during the winter months.
-Doesn't work that great on it's own. I find it to work best under make-up, thus a primer. Using pressed powder or other oil absorbing make-up probably are what makes this product more affective.

Rating: 9/10

Would I repurchase: Well, I have an extra tube seeing as it lasts so long. So... I probably won't repurchase, and the inner beauty junkie in me wants to go out and find other great face primers. I'm dying to try the L'oreal Studio Secrets Face Primer which everyone seems to be raving about.

(Disclaimer: All products purchased with my own money.)

Shape Of Beauty Awards 2010

The September issue of Shape features the SHAPE OF BEAUTY AWARDS top picks of everything from facial cleanser to lip gloss, mascara and even deodorant. More than 3,000 readers, SHAPE editors, and beauty experts across the country named these good-for-you skin, makeup, and hair products the top picks of 2010. Here are just a few categories:
Facial Cleansers
• Kinerase PhotoFacials Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($40; sephora.com): Improvements in skin texture come from a mix of antioxidant-rich superfoods—including kiwi, pineapple, and pomegranate—in combination with jojoba and silica beads.

Anti-Aging
• Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller ($23; at drugstores): The three rollers massage away swelling and “deliver a potent dose of anti-agers like pentapeptides, which build collagen.

Body Firming
• Bliss FatGirlScrub ($38; blissworld.com): No scrub will wash away your cellulite, but this one leaves skin “smoother and tighter.” Red algae reduces water retention, Himalayan salt exfoliates, and peppermint extract makes it feel cool and refreshing in the shower.

Lip color
• MAC Cremesheen Glass Lip Gloss ($18; maccosmetics.com): This gloss is “shiny but somehow not sticky,” said a tester. (The secret is in the formula, a mix of soybean oil and aloe.)

Foundation
• Revlon PhotoReady Makeup SPF 20 ($14; at drugstores): Photographers know that flattering lighting makes models look gorgeous. This new foundation uses similar logic; it has light-reflecting pigments that create the optical illusion of better skin. It covers pores, redness, and scars, all without caking.

Shampoo and Conditioner
• Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair ($24; aveda.com) Rich in repairing proteins and hydrating essential oils, this leave-in treatment helps negate any damage from hot tools or UV rays.

Mood-Boosting Fragrance
• Kim Kardashian Eau de Parfum ($35 for 1 oz.; sephora.com): You’d expect a bold, sultry blend from reality TV star and SHAPE cover model Kim Kardashian, and her new fragrance does not disappoint. It’s a heady mix of florals—like jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia—anchored by earthy jacaranda wood.

Nails
• Best color Essie Nail Polish in Angora Cardi ($8; essie.com) This deep, dusty rose was the testers’ fave: It felt trendy, but not too ‘out there’ to wear to work.


What do you think of these picks?
I have Essie's Angora Sweater so I was kind of happy to see it on the list.
I haven't tried the Revlon Photoready Foundation yet and am not sure if I want to switch from my trusty Revlon Colorstay either.

Eyeliner Face Off: MAC vs Stila

It's funny: in my teens I was always the victim of raccoon eyes, because my liner would always end up under my peepers.

Who'd have imagined there where "higher end" brands that could solve that problem. And longer lasting too? I'd have shrugged it off as a myth. In my eyes all liners where all the same (pun intended).

Over the years I've experimented with a few black ones. Most where drugstore brands (Maybelline, L'oreal, Revlon, you name it) but I don't really recall having had results worth mentioning. That, and the fact that they usually tugged at my delicate eye area.

Imagine the joy when I unexpectedly picked up a MAC liner 3 years back. Looking back that was the first time I even stepped into a MAC store- I was on holiday visiting family in London.

Newho, long story short, I've been hooked on that liner - FYI Technakohl in Graphblack (a matte black kajal) - ever since. A few months back I saw a Youtuber explaining the color Buried Treasure (black/dark brown/grey with gold shimmer which makes it almost look khaki green) and I immediatly wanted it.

Then Kim Kardashian was everywhere spreading her make up advice, and after hearing she used Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Onyx, I caved in and got that too.


A comparisson of the 3 eyeliners:

Top to Bottom: MAC Burried Treasure, Stila Eye Kajal in Onyx, MAC Graphblack

Swatched: (one light pencil stroke)

I did a smear test using one light swipe with my fingers. This was after waiting 5 minutes for them to dry. As you can see the Stila liner smudges immensely. I've seen a few people raving about it, not to mention Kim K. and really don't understand why I can't get it to work or if she's getting paid to advertise. Maybe it needs to be applied with a brush like one would a gel liner, seeing as it's SOoOooo pigmented and just -literally- goes all over the place as soon as I blink. Needless to say my Stila liner gets no luv from me.

My Burried Treasure and Graphblack are a whole other story now. I love both but prefer my technakohl liner.
Burried Treasure is a perfect color if you find BLACK too dark for daytime (e.g. the gym, class, work, etc.)

CON'S of Burried Treasure:

• Melts a bit as you apply it and the tip loses it's shape rather easy. So I wouldn't recommend for lining the upper lashline.
• Holds up for a few hours on the waterline, but not all day like Graphblack.
• I'm picky and like a fine tip on my eyeliners so that irritates me about powerpoint pencils and the frequent sharpening that's needed.