On The Shelf

Overview:

MAC Pro Longwear Blush – Stay Pretty

Purchase Price $26 + tax

Retailer MAC counter Macy’s

Check out www.maccosmetics.com for more product info.

Product Review:

I instantly fell in love with this blush once the MAC artist applied it. Finding this shade was a bit of a challenge however since I already own and named the two blushes which the MAC artist initially pulled out. So the choice was between Stay Pretty and a slightly deeper pink that I did not like.

This blush is build-able and results will vary depending on how heavy handed you are. For me I like a nice pop of pink on my cheeks and this fit the bill. A soft swipe and instant color for a simple look. But, if intense color is what you want then this will not disappoint either in being able to get a dramatic effect. I have had no problems with application or blending using my Bdellium brush.

Since it is a labeled as MAC’s “Pro Longwear” it can be worn for eight hours without worries. I would have to agree that the color has not faded or lose its semi-matte luster after an entire day of wear. This was my first time buying a “Pro Longwear” blush from MAC but not the last. I intend on trying a couple other colors in the future. Price point is on the mark for the brand, quality, and amount of product. That being said it is definitely a repurchase for my shelf. 

On The Shelf

Overview:

Orange Tonic Mask

Purchase Price $18 + shipping

Retailer www.mariobadescu.com

Check out www.mariobadescu.com for more product info.

Product Review:

Once a week, usually on Sunday, I perform my “super skincare” routine, which consists of multiple face masks that seem to have benefit me when used in a specific order. Mind you all of the products I’ve used, so far, have independently worked fine and do not have any adverse interactions in the way I use them.

The Orange Tonic Mask was first received as a sample and I have been using it for a few months. This light orange scented clay based mask easily glides onto skin without any irritation. It is recommended, on the Mario Badescu site, to be used if you have combination, oily and sensitive skin. I whole heartedly agree however, I see no reason why normal skin types would not also benefit from this product. This mask, like most, leaves the skin feeling slightly taut after it dries fairly quick and washes away with no chunky or clay mess when comparing this to other masks. My skin always appears a little brighter, this could be from the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells revealing a newer replenished surface. It is recommended to wear for 15 – 20 minutes however, I have left this mask on from 30 minutes all the way to an hour without any irritation or drying of my skin. Since it is smoother and slightly thinner in consistency than other masks a little goes a long way. I find the price for what it has done to be fair considering the skincare brand.

Since I have seen a difference in the appearance of my skin I will continue to use this product. Let me put it this way; I am on my second 2 oz. container and it has become a part of the regular purchases for my shelf. Need I say more? 

On The Shelf

Overview:

Gerard Cosmetics Kimchi Doll Lipstick

Purchase Price $19

Retailer www.gerardcosmetics.com

Check out www.gerardcosmetics.com for more product info.

Product Review:

Gerard Cosmetics has created another totally awesome lipstick by teaming up with fashion blogger Sophia Chang. Keeping with their creamy smooth formula, which glides onto lips effortlessly, I found Kimchi Doll to be a peach sheen nude compared to the shimmer of baby pink Gerard advertises.

It took two coats to achieve a full coverage look. Unfortunately this color, and most like it, seem to wash me out since I am so pale. The hues were all wrong, for me, and the color of the lipstick did not resemble what appeared on my lips. I believe this color definitely gives a nice polished end result with a clean and more sophisticated makeup versus an edgy glam/rock look. Not to say this has made my feelings about Gerard’s lipstick any different but this one will be in my kit, for use on others, instead of on my shelf. 

On The Shelf

Overview:

DevaCurl Trial & Travel Set

Purchase Price $29.95 + tax

Retailer Multiple (Ulta)

Check out www.devacurl.com for more product info.

Product Review:

Curly girl hair problems will soon be in full effect since spring has come, and right behind it humid summer days (varying on location). Solution, DevaCurl!

My aunt who is also a California native is always on the prowl for curly hair products. After she had spoken with a co-worker regarding her new do my aunt was introduced to DevaCurl products and decided to send me this set. I had seen the green and white label many times at my local Sephora but paid no mind. Honestly, this set is the perfect way to see which products work for you without breaking the bank. The set comes with four essential components all made to harmoniously work together.

1. No-Poo™ Zero Lather Cleanser - This shampoo made without silicones, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. This means you won’t get stripped or dried out locks. Also don’t expect any suds or lather as you will be blue in the face from trying to create some. I always associated lather with “cleanliness” before using any sulfate free shampoos. This product is easily distributed throughout hair and feels more like a conditioner when applying. The scent is strangely earthy to me, not like dirt but herbal, maybe this is due to the hops and wheat amino acids. But after washing hair the peppermint takes over leaving a tingly refreshed aroma. I loved this shampoo so much I have already used the kit size and replaced it with its full size counterpart. The price is hefty but well worth it for the results.

2. One Condition Daily Conditioner -  Award winning product and for good reason. I really love the rosemary scent of this conditioner. Rosemary, lemon grass, and olive oil are key ingredients but this conditioner echoes the same non-additive chemical free formula as the No-Poo™ shampoo. This conditioner is thick and creamy without feeling slimey or messy on hair. I found it worked much better in conjunction with the No-Poo™ versus alone or with another shampoo. I would purchase the full size only if I had a coupon or it was on sale as it has a price of $39.95 for a 32 oz.

3. Light Defining Gel – OMG I need to just state the aroma of this sweet and fruity product almost lasted ALL DAY! This gel is made without alcohol or mineral oils and has key ingredients like; chamomile, wheat and soy proteins which are very popular now. This did help define curls and was light weight but unfortunately left my hair feeling dried out and more tangled than I expected. It didn’t leave the texture of my hair crunchy like other gels but this fell short due to the knotty mess I was left with.

4. Set It Free 24 Hour Moisture Lock – When I first used this product it was with all the products included in the kit and saw no improvement or change. Actually I put this to the back of my shelf until I had finished the No-Poo™ and One conditioner.  Recently I pulled it out and used it solo without any other gels or products out of the shower. My curls were absolutely frizz free and I had ZERO tangles. I found it works best on damp hair but can be used on dry hair to manage fly aways and frizz. My hair was left shiny but not greasy. The smell follows suit with its “earthy notes” but is not overwhelming or harsh. I would gladly repurchase this in the 3 oz. travel size for overnight purposes.

Overall this set is a great investment for anyone with curly locks. If for nothing else, you can try great products that can be used together or separately to see what works best for your hair. As far as DevaCurl the No-Poo™ is a winner in my book and a new staple on my shelf! 

On The Shelf

Overview:

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

Purchase Price $35 + tax

Retailer  Sephora

Check out www.sephora.com for more product info.

Product Review:

After many rounds of Sephora sampling (you can get three in-store!), I finally purchased this foundation. Having an array of 18 shades means if you are fair or dark there is a foundation you can use. The only drawback I have had is my shade, 42 which is the lightest, consistently being out of stock. So before you run out to buy this check Sephora.com first to see it they have it available just in case.

The packaging is clever and all other foundations should follow suit. With every pump the product is pushed up through the top and clearly shows how much is left. This is a huge benefit that I love when preparing to repurchase. “Formulated with 21% pigment” and “polysilicone-II” definitely plays a crucial role in its long wear-ability. This brings me to my next point, which is transfer. This product causes minimal transfer compared to other large brands, and I should know considering I have to constantly change face masks.

I usually mix this with MAC Studio FIX fluid for a nice matte finish. I love the full coverage and don’t even need a concealer when I use it. Now the consistency is thick and dries quickly so time is not your friend! I recommend using a beauty blender or a stippling brush to achieve the best results. 

This foundation does have an initial “chemical” odor which quickly disappears. And a little goes a long way with this product so be mindful of the pumping.

For me this is not an everyday use as it is a “heavy” makeup product. The price is well worth it as there is no capping issue or air exposure due to the packaging. I love the look this foundation gives and it is by all means it is in a regular rotation on my face and my shelf, as I’m on my second bottle. 

On The Shelf

Overview: Benefit They’re Real! Push-up Eyeliner

Purchase Price $24 (price from Benefit)

Retailer Multiple

Check out www.benefitcosmetics.com for more product info

Product Review:

This liner made its way to me courtesy of Benefit/Birchbox promoting Wing Women Weekend, last year. Allure magazine dubbed this liner “Best of Beauty” and “Breakthrough” for 2014. The exterior of the pen is sleek black and attractive with pops of color. It is easy to hold and the amount held inside appears to be a good amount.

By twisting the bottom of the liner, with the cap off of course, the black gel creeps its way out of the angled tip. Now this is where some may run into trouble. If too much product is twisted out the application will result in a sloppy look, and not enough will need a second application and may still result in a very amateur look. Best part about this liner is this way of storing product within the pen applicator until it is ready for use, making it fresh all the time. Worst part about this is making sure to clean the tip as the gel will dry out and block any new gel from coming out. The previous step IS a necessity and needs to be done every time you use this liner.

The angled tip is mean to “hug” your lash line, which I agree it definitely gives you that close edge but, somehow does not apply as smoothly as I would like. I like to do a winged/cat-eye look on occasion and never had a problem until using this liner. I mean EVERY time I use this gel liner I can never achieve the desired look. Another fact Benefit claims it is quick-drying and smudge-free, perhaps too quick-drying and smudge-free as you cannot simply fix little mistakes without using makeup remover.

I feel They’re Real is a definite breakthrough for the gel liner market. However, the angled tip simply rubs me the wrong way in addition to not being able to get a desirable look from what is a wonderful product, in theory. Also if you are not comfortable with liquid or other gels this is not going to work for you either. Once I finish this tube I highly doubt I will ever repurchase this liner, unless it goes through a major change in formula. 

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.