On The Shelf

Overview:

L’Oréal Voluminus Miss Manga Mascara

Purchase Price $7.99 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out www.lorealparis.com for product info

Product Review:

Almost out of no-where came this wonderful find that should be on everyone’s lashes. The eye catching packaging is for the true manga/anime fan hands down, but this is a mascara for ANYONE! Pretty in pink “360° Flexor Brush to build bold volume” works but newbies to the ways of the wand be careful as this will take a few strokes to find the proper application pressure. This “Voluminus” formula does work as it thickens and adds visible length. As it does not seem to separate each lash but at the same time does not exactly clump. Non-irritating, quick to dry, and a solid black color are major pluses to this drug store priced mascara. Do not be fooled by the price on this one, because two coats and anyone will have va-va-voom lashes without the smudging. Easy to remove with a makeup remover or lotion.

Having stayed true to my higher end brand mascaras I was in total disbelief when this worked greater than I could have ever expected. I gave up on a lot of “drug store” priced products especially mascara since all the ones I used always smudged or were irritating and never accomplished their claims. Hopefully this is more than just a gimmick to sell more mascara for L’Oréal and they will continue to have this one around for a while because this is simply a natural repurchase for my shelf.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap        

Purchase Price $17.50 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out www.redken.com  for product info

Product Review:

This is one of those hair products I can’t do without for when my hair is feeling less than 100% and now especially during highlight season. Always a quick seller during sales at my local Ulta and for good reason. Made specifically for distressed and damaged hair this product protects against breakage and spilt ends but also is a fantastic thermal protectant when blowing out or straightening hair with an iron. Using this straight out of the shower on damp hair I can almost feel my hair almost instantly sucking in all of this wonderful product like a plant. The noticeable difference for me is at the end of the day after application it feels so much softer. When applied daily to dry hair it gives a great shine factor without a greasy look or feel.  

The secret seems to be in the 3D repair complex along with other ingredients that make hair become healthy, split end, and frizz free. The proteins help build internal strength while the Ceramide adds to cuticle reinforcement and the natural lipids aid in protective resurfacing of the hair. The consistency of this white serum is creamy and non-tacky which make applying with your hands simple. It does not leave hair heavy like some conditioning lotions or serums but after it is applied hair is bouncy and appears to help in adding volume as well. It reminds me of a fresh out of the salon smell but not in a chemical way leaving a mild and clean odor to hair without a heavy perfume scent.

I highly recommend this to anyone if you can get your hands on it for that extra love and care for your hair. As with most salon branded products this does have a price tag to match so when I can find it on sale you bet I stock up!

On The Shelf

Overview:

Lime Crime Lipstick Great Pink Planet    

Purchase Price $18 (Purchased NYC IMATS 2014)

Retailer www.limecrime.com

Check out www.limecrime.com  for product info

Product Review:

Having been a huge fan of Doe Deere’s style for some time, creator of Lime Crime, I was super excited to see their booth at the 2014 NYC IMATS. Unfortunately I missed out on her meet and greet the day I attended but as luck had it my friend and I were the last two allowed to make purchases at the booth that day. If you need an example of the popularity of this company the line alone wrapped around several other booths and even though I was supposed to be the last in line at least twenty others either cut or got into the line behind me. At this point security stepped in and waved people away informing them that the booth was going to be closing and had sold out its products for the day.  After waiting for two hours in this line to finally get to the register and see what was available for purchase I was heartbroken because all the lipstick shades I wanted were gone. I intended on purchasing Babette a color which is extremely popular and always sold out online.

Cash in hand and having waited in line I was determined to purchase something. Seeing Great Pink Planet I grabbed it and instantly loved the color. This vegan and cruelty free line of makeup offers this absolutely gorgeous pink shade which is highly pigmented and opaque for super color saturation. This lipstick applies very well as it is super creamy. And of course a yummy scent of sweet vanilla always helps. This is one of those colors you’d see Barbie wearing, fun loving summer pastel pink with a unique twist. The formula is perfect in my opinion long wearing without drying your lips or staining which seems to happen with a lot of long wear colors.

Now to the downside, currently this is one of those lipsticks that is only available online so expect to pay shipping but the price is worth it if you are a connoisseur of all things pink.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Seaweed Night Cream

Purchase Price $20 (1oz)

Retailer www.mariobadescu.com (Nordstrom, Ulta)

Check out www.mariobadescu.com  for product info

Product Review:

When I think of seaweed two thoughts cross my mind. First, my six year old self off the coast of Carmel getting entangled in what I thought was an octopus, and next, high end spas where women set down their Louis Vuitton and Hermes bags to be wrapped in this underwater delight. I’ve finally found the perfect seaweed product that will make you skin feel like a million bucks without the price tag.

But first a crash course in why seaweed is so highly sought after in the skincare/beauty world. It contains a list of vitamins including folic acid, niacin, and is also rich in antioxidants. Seaweed has the ability to repair, moisturize, and boost the blood flow all while preventing more damage to your skin. This is why so many people around the world also eat seaweed as it is part of their cultural diets perhaps unbeknownst to them its health aiding properties.

Housed in a simple white plastic jar this subtle mint green concoction is not offensive to the nose as it is not exactly pleasing in my opinion either. This product is one of those, “it smells like a skincare product” odors meaning it may have a more mature scent but don’t worry after application it is odorless. The cream itself is not greasy or oily in any way and instantly made my skin feel so much softer to the touch. Overnight as it worked its magic I woke up to soft supple radiant skin fully feeling moisturized and ready for the morning sun. This is one of those magic in a jar potions that anyone with sensitive skin or concerns of moisture loss would highly benefit from. Being thirty this products has definitely not only saved me time but also money as I don’t feel the need to worry so much if I skip on my morning facial moisturizer. Of course those who are more mature or younger could always appreciate this too as skincare is important for your entire life.

Mario Badescu has made a regular appearance on my shelf due to their high quality products, simple packaging, and also the need not to advertise all over the place with celebrities endorsing them. This company has had a reputation built on word of mouth and simply making GREAT products they stand behind. This is why all their products will eventually find their way on my shelf!

On The Shelf

Overview:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil Perversion

Purchase Price $20 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.urbandecay.com for product info

Product Review:

Having a subscription with IPSY means every month a new Glam Bag comes usually with a new deluxe sample to full size eye liner which means I haven’t had to buy one in a while. Regardless I always come back to my 24/7 Glide-on pencil. Perversion is a true pitch black with no sparkle or glitter which dries to a great matte finish. I’ve had great success with blending this out for a little smoky eye or a goth-rocker look but be warned there is only a thirty second window in which this is able to be blended before becoming totally set. Which leads me to a major pro of this pencil, its long wearing formula that lasts all day and more but will also clean up easily with a makeup removing wipe.

Application to the upper lid is super simple with this Glide-on formula so no need to tug on your eyelid to get that straight line. The main reason I use this pencil is its waterline perks. Easy to apply nonirritating and waterproof make it perfect for that extra POP to your eyes! No terrible raccoon eye to worry about when wearing using this fantastic pencil. Besides the awesome formula there are forty, that’s right FORTY shades to choose from not to mention the double 24/7 Vegan Pencils that are available.

When I was a teenager my Dad would give me $20 and let me buy makeup. With money in hand I would find the makeup aisle in the local WalMart grab what I was told to be a great eyeliner, some lip gloss and foundation. To complete an eye look I would take the eyeliner melt the tip with a lighter (I was told to do this), which in most cases I could not work, and let it cool. Apply it and it was a smoother application but ended up smudging and being very very irritating.  Long story short the days of the $2 eyeliner and lighter are long over for me. Perhaps there are bargain eyeliners under $5 that work well but I have yet to find one that meets all my needs. $20 for a single eyeliner pencil may seem outrageous but for me this pencil is worth every penny because it works.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Orange Cleansing Soap

Purchase Price $20 (16oz)

Retailer www.mariobadescu.com (Nordstrom, Ulta)

Check out www.mariobadescu.com  for product info

Product Review:

It has become apparently clear that I have an ongoing love affair with anything orange scented in the skincare world. Most of the products I tend to use or try have some kind of citrus notes. In the morning grabbing this cleansing soap in the shower is a must to concentrate on restoring moisture and just using a gentle product considering the harsh cleaning ritual it goes through most nights from my makeup removal routine. So I figured if this was so great in the morning perhaps I should try it at night as well.

The texture of this product is great, a creamy not heavy soap that lathers slightly with no real feel of grittiness like other cleansing soaps. It washes away leaving no residue behind and leaves the skin so soft to the touch it is ridiculous. By far this is the best my skin has ever felt after washing it with a cleansing product. There is no over powering faux orange scent here just a gentle whiff so your nose is alerted and your eyes widen. With just a large pea size amount you can really feel the difference and realize you have spent you money on the right product this time. This is one of those “it will work for anyone”, unless you have known allergies to the contents, from those with sensitive skin issues to normal.

I can see myself at sixty still buying this and enjoying it the way I do now. With a company like Mario Badescu being around for forty five years so far, I highly doubt I will ever have a problem restocking my shelf with their products.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Spellbound Nail Lacquer

Purchase Price $14 + tax

Retailer www.libertyrepublic.com  

Check out www.libertyrepublic.com  for product info

Product Review:

Since summer is officially here, manicures and pedicures are going to be in high gear. I found this the perfect opportunity to try out a purchase I made from one of last year’s Breakthrough Brands, Liberty Republic.

Vegan and cruelty free there are seven shades of Spellbound Nail Lacquer to choose from housed in a sleek sophisticated squared bottle that gives it a very different look when comparing to other bottles on the shelf. Belladonna just whispered to me, “Take me home…” with its nude pink appearance. Grabbing my wallet I was a little shocked when $14 was the total. But after doing some research I can now see why the retail price is set where it is. Plus the fact this is a private company needs to be taken into consideration when clenching your wallet. Formulas without formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals tend to be on the higher side of the spectrum. Also these lacquers make claims to last up to two weeks which is amazing considering it is not a gel based formula that requires UV setting. My results are within total satisfaction considering I had only one chip on day five of wearing this lacquer without the addition of a top coat. The consistency and quality of this lacquer is comparable to other higher end brands which I have used in home and at the nail salons which have never damaged my nails. Two coats of this applied to the nails and it is exactly a true match when looking at the bottle. Fast drying, no creasing, or smudging, and last but not least… no annoying BUBBLES!

When it comes to looking at what Liberty Republic has to offer with its Nail Lacquer line I am truly Spellbound and will be repurchasing in the future. Now if only a magic wand could be waved and cast a spell on my piggy bank I’d be set.