Monday, October 5, 2015

On The Shelf


Overview:

Mario Badescu  Enzyme Cleansing Gel

Purchase Price $14 + s/h



Product Review:

This cleansing gel is my wake-up call, due to its refreshingly sweet botanical aroma. I absolutely love this scent! There is something that makes it just smell healthy for your skin. The gel formula is non-foaming which is easy to apply and less likely to make a mess on the vanity if you decide to use it multiple times daily. After letting the enzymes work their magic, for about two minutes, I use a Clarisonic and my skin feels smooth and refreshed. It is definitely the combination of ingredients like papaya and grapefruit extracts that have exfoliating properties due to Alpha Hydroxy Acid. AHA aids in breaking down oils and grime allowing new skin to be revealed.


A dime size amount is what I found to be needed for a thorough cleaning of my face. I have not felt like this has left my skin dried out or feeling irritated, so I would say all skin types would benefit from its use. Price point is great and for me the bottle lasted a few months, and that is with daily use in the morning. Needless to say, this is on my shelf and already a continuous repurchase. 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

On The Shelf


Overview:

Make Up For Ever- Mat Velvet Matifying Foundation

Purchase Price $38 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out http://www.makeupforever.com for product info


Product Review:

Having purchased MUFE HD foundation years ago, with less than stellar results, I was hesitant to try this foundation. However, I went to my local Sephora and asked for a sample which lead to the purchase of the full size product.
First, since I am so pale finding an exact match for my skin tone is difficult but the color of their lightest shade is amazing and perfect for any porcelain skin tone out there. The product is very lightweight and a little goes a long way! I found this foundation to have a medium coverage with a semi-matte finish. The formula is non-irritating and easy to remove with a simple makeup removing wipe.
Second, this foundation formula did not last beyond three hours before it began to oxidize creating an oily mess. Additionally I had fine lines appear more prevalent do to the strange oiliness it created. I assume building to a full or heavier coverage would cause more problems so those with combination to oily skin should probably avoid this product.

Last, I have found a great use for this product as a highlighter of sorts on top of another base foundation. I am not completely dissatisfied with this product as I can see practical uses for it when makeup may be worn for shorter durations. Unfortunately Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet did not make it onto my shelf, but it is still in my makeup case for use as a highlighter. 

Monday, September 14, 2015

On The Shelf

Overview:

NYX Color Mascara (Perfect Pear, Mint Julep, Pink Petals)

Purchase Price $7


Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com for product info

Product Review:

NYX is my favorite drug-store brand since they offer so many great products that are budget friendly with fantastic results. After using the blue colored mascara (May 12, 2014 On The Shelf) I knew if NYX was to offer more colors I would love them, and I do! The colors are true to their tube, as what you see is what you get.

The long wear-ability is comparable to higher end formulas and since I have not had any rub-off or transfer issues these new colors have been in a regular rotation for me. The application was initially an issue as the formula appears to be very thin, almost like water. Plus the applicator wand itself has changed and been made smaller. I like the previous version of NYX formula in regards to thickness and the included wand. These are the only two issues I can find with these new colors. However, I have had no issues with irritation to skin or eyes during application or while wearing. Some of the colors are tough to simply wipe off the lashes and require a quality makeup remover.


Overall, the price per tube is great! The thin formula can be managed with proper application technique. You can achieve a colorful pop that will last all day. For now the array of color will remain on my shelf, but I would love if NYX would use the previously included wand as I believe this would make application so much easier. 

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

On The Shelf

Overview:

Sephora Collection Green Tea & Lotus Face Mask

Purchase Price $6 + tax (ea.)

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.sephora.com for product info

Product Review:

The Green Tea mask is specific for blemished and breakout prone skin as it “mattifies and purifies to soothe skin, absorb sebum, and reduce the appearance of outbreaks”, according to Sephora. My results for use of this mask were excellent. I noticed a vast difference in the appearance of my blemishes in size and redness. An added bonus and pick me up was the clean and refreshed feeling my skin now had after application. Wearing this mask overnight once a week definitely helped with my mid-day oil production as I noticed less need to blot my face or reapply and touch up my makeup. The formula in this mask has a mild scent and was non-irritating to skin or eyes. I noticed a slight tingling sensation on application but the cooling sensation took over after only a few minutes.

The Lotus mask, as stated on Sephora’s website, “refreshes skin and reduces signs of strain and fatigue”, with that said, I had mixed results. I can agree with the “refreshing” part, however, I saw no significant changes in the appearance of my skin. The scent was subtle and like all the masks in the Sephora Collection ample product for complete hydration for the face. This mask caused no irritation but I do not think it will be repurchased as I have had better results from Sephora’s other masks.


Overall both these masks were refreshing, as any facial product should be, but the Green Tea lived up to its promises and completely delivered. I suggest trying one and seeing if you reap the same benefits I did. Way to go Sephora for another spot on my shelf! 

Monday, August 17, 2015

On The Shelf

Overview:

Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

Purchase Price $26


Check out www.mariobadescu.com for product info

Product Review:
Earlier this year I attended the Makeup Show NYC and I wish I had gone sooner, as this was their 10th anniversary in NYC. One of the many great brands in the skincare and beauty world, Mario Badescu, was there to sell everything that was available, even before some products were to be sold by other retailers. In this case it happened to be the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub that caught my attention as it was seated front and center. The sales representatives were extremely polite and knowledgeable answering any questions I had.

Having a good facial scrub is a necessity in my book as I use it two to three times a week. I will apply this scrub either right before I hop into the shower in the morning or after I have removed my makeup at night. The Botanical Exfoliating Scrub is made with a combination of great ingredients that help promote a brighter complexion, unclog pores, which will leave skin feeling supple. The exfoliator in the scrub is ground Ecuadorian palm seeds that aid in removing dead skin cells. There is a truly fresh botanical scent that is light and pleasant as the clear gel formulated from coconut, aloe, green tea, and ginger work harmoniously to achieve revived new skin.


This is such a great product for everything it offers but another huge advantage is its cost savings. Many competitive products either have harsh exfoliators or you have to use a large amount of product for it to be effective. Using less means saving money. And that means buying more of Mario Badescu’s products! Obviously this is a new addition for the shelf that will be repurchased as needed. 

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Brand Updates, Launches and Events




Dana and Lora creators of Melt cosmetics did it again. The Nood Collection launches online tomorrow at 12pm pst . With a limited release at this past June's Phamexpo this became a instant hit across social media. Instagram lovers could not get enough of this perfect foursome.
A beautiful range of nudes that took three years in the making in hopes of achieving the perfect shades/color to complement a range of skin tones.
Expect the same great vegan quality with these and set your alarms as they will surely sell out.
Photo credit: IG -@meltcosmetics 


Monday, August 10, 2015

On The Shelf
  
Overview:

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

Purchase Price $46 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.sephora.com for product info

Contouring and highlighting has been a raging beast of beauty with no signs of stopping, as clearly it is to stay. This technique can be applied with a cream or powder. Since I feel powder comes off more natural and application is easier, for me, I knew what powder was needed; enter, Kat Von D. I already had my eyes on this palette during its initial release and knew it would eventually be on my shelf.

For those who may be new to contouring; do not feel overwhelmed as the palette may look to be a bit much. There are three large varying color “Shade” pans which are great giving a diverse range of color depending on your skin tone and time of year. Sombre, an almost chocolate shade, can be used during your tannest summer days. Shadowplay, a golden brown, for winter. And Subconscious, a peachy brown, for the transitions of fall and spring. The only Shade I could not really use is Subconscious since I am so fair skinned. I opted to use it as an eyeshadow which has worked great for me!

Moving on to the three smaller pans, the “Light”, these are you highlighters. Lucid, is almost peach in color, Lyric is a cool tone, whereas Levitation is a warm tone. Those with a beige to olive skin tone will have much success with these colors versus those with very fair skin. Ebony skin tones could use these as intended as strictly just a “highlighter”, however, proper application would need to be learned.


Overall this is a great investment for any makeup lover, period. The pluses about its simple design with awesome integration of magnetic lid and mirror are wonderful! The amount of product is great and even better than the quantity is the quality. Once applied this product lasted all day without any touch-ups. Whether you are a beginner or a pro this palette gives you choices. Shade + Light is certainly going to be on my shelf or in my kit!