On The Shelf

Overview: LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Mask Of Magnaminty – Self Preserving

Purchase Price $12.95 + tax

Retailer Local LUSH store

Check out www.lushusa.com for more product info

Product Review:

After reading such wonderful reviews on beauty websites and being a fan of Catastrophe Cosmetic I was ready to try another LUSH creation.

Unlike a majority of other face masks offered by LUSH with a specific use by date Magnaminty is “self-preserving” meaning it does not need refrigeration, and can last up to five months! Having had my black signature container for three months I have not seen any change in color or consistency. This is a minty-green chunky mask that does not look appealing in the container or on your face but the minty smell wins for best aroma in a face mask.

Once on the face or body there is a slight tingling sensation that is not overwhelming and does not last long. Being made with China Clay, honey, vanilla, and fresh peppermint LUSH claims it will “pull dirt from pores”, “calm redness and soothe.” For me these claims seem possible as my face felt “clean” but the calming of any redness was not felt or seen. Leaving this mask on for 10 – 30 minutes allows for it to stiffen on the face to an almost rubbery texture which was somewhat difficult to wash off. The use of warm to hot water was needed as the mask really dig cling to my skin. The Aduki beans do feel like a natural exfoliator however cleaning up my sink was more of a chore than a treat for me afterwards.

Final thoughts on this are not as glowing since I did not feel like I benefited from this mask. Problem breakout areas seemed worse after use and actually seemed as if it created more breakouts. However the price on a fresh handmade product like this is great for the amount you do receive. Plus since the container is a part of LUSH’s recycling program I will be able to put it toward another product I like or want to try. But sadly, this will not be making a return to my shelf. 

On The Shelf

Overview: Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

Purchase Price $8.99 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out www.marcanthony.com for more product info

Product Review:

Spring could not be getting here soon enough for this chickadee to remind me warmer days are certainly head. But to shake those wintry blues away, and almost fast forward to summer, the heavenly coconut aroma of this spray will magically teleport you to your very own beach front bungalow…well at least your hair.

This spray is simple to use on out of the shower wet hair or dry as can be morning bedhead, as I’ve done both. On wet hair I get more refined curls and spraying on dry hair has given me that simple beach wave look this product boasts. I’ve seen a friend with poker straight hair achieve the easy beachy tousled hair with no problems. It definitely adds shine to those no shampoo days too, which is probably from the “hydrolyzed silk” and pro-vitamin B5. As the Dream Waves mists onto hair it does not weigh it down or leave it dull and crunchy the way other sprays sometimes do. So if you are looking for that true “beach hair wave”, look no further Dream Waves delivers!

To sum up: 1. Affordable. 2. Product delivers on promises. 3. Demonstration on the Marc Anthony website on how to use (click link above). 4. Coconut smell is not overly chemically artificial. This was truly a dream addition to my shelf!

On The Shelf

Overview: Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Ooh La La Sexy Eyes Trio

Purchase Price $12.95 + tax

Retailer Multiple (CVS local)

Check out www.physiciansformula.com for more product info

Product Review:

Physicians Formula is a company where the products I’ve bought were always dermatologist approved. Even though this trio was given to me it is as well dermatologist approved. Finding drugstore alternatives for cosmetic counter eyeliners always is a task. Add in the fact most “good” ones are usually expensive and you may wonder, what can be left? Again, want to say thanks to the co-worker and reader of this blog who gave this set to me.

The Sexy Eyes Trio is very appealing as it stores so neatly into a “provocative pouch” always ready for on the go action! Having your choice of three different types of liners means you’ll most likely love at least one of them. First up was a retractable pencil liner, which was my favorite. It lined the upper and lower lids perfectly and worked well for the inner rims without any smudging. Surprisingly I feel it could last a full 24 hours on upper lids, let’s say in the form of a cat-eye, without major issues. Next the Kohl Kajal was smooth to apply but smudged a great deal. I always seemed to mess the tip of the crayon like liner whenever recapping for storage. Last, the felt-tip eyeliner, for me, was a no go. Mine was completely dried out from the minute I tore into it fresh from the packaging.

Out of the two that I was able to use I had no issues with sensitivity or irritation to eyes or skin. This truly is a “hypoallergenic” product as promised along with being gluten and paraben free. I would say a good try for any shelf and the results I had would make me confident to try one of Physicians Formula full size eyeliners. 

On The Shelf

Overview: 1995 Lipstick and Buttercup Lipstick

Purchase Price $19 ea + tax and S/H

Retailer www.gerardcosmetics.com

Check out www.gerardcosmetics.com for more product info

Product Review:

1995 is a signature lipstick in the Gerard Cosmetics lineup thanks to Jaclyn Hill. If you’re a makeup junkie you most likely follow social media outlets and have seen Gerard Cosmetics on a face here and there, especially lips. Their lipsticks caught my eye for many reasons but first and foremost are the colors. 1995 is a creamy matte neutral tone with a hint of brown “inspired” by the 90s grunge runways and teenage angst. This color is perfect for any throwback look or use for modern twist. I have had no issues with this lipstick staining or drying out my lips. The color last almost all day but touchups are easy as the color glides on with the lightest touch. I have found 1995 to pair great with MAC’s Soar lip liner.

Buttercup is another Jaclyn Hill Collection color offered by Gerard Cosmetics. Having a creamcicle scent adds to this wonderful nude pink color. Unfortunately this color was a spot on match to my natural lip color, so applying it made no difference. However, my friend who is more medium skin toned with more rose colored lips tried it on and it gave her that instant POP she was looking for.

Sure wish Gerard would expand enough to partner with a retailer where I could test colors before buying, just so there are no repeats of my Buttercup experience. But it looks like 1995 will be on my shelf for as long as I can get it.