Lancome Foundation Brush No.2

worth the investment!

splurge in this makeup brush - you won't regret it! i picked this up after reading about it in lucky and use it almost every day for applying tinted moisturizer. it creates a smooth, flawless finish and also helps you save on makeup as it only takes a little bit to achieve full coverage with this brush!

December 21, 2010

Lancome Colour Focus Palette 4 Ombres

worth the splurge

ok i have to admit i have never bought this product - i always wait for a fgwp promotion to stock up on moisturizer and pick up a free eyeshadow quad, and i'm never disappointed, with either the color palette or the quality of shadows. the four shades always go well together, and you can easily wear just one or two. a little bit goes a long way and this shadow lasts thgouth the day and into the night, without fading or creasing. one of these days i'll splurge...and it will be worth it!

December 21, 2010

Lancome Blush Subtil

a subtle wash of color

i picked up the mauve coquette blush as part of a fgwp (i loathe dishing out so much $ for makeup!) and have added it to my daily routine. adds a nice touch of color, especially to my current pale winter face. this shade is a little cooler but still pretty neutral and goes on so smoothly, leaving a natural flushed look.

December 21, 2010

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream

light leave-in conditioner

nice and lightweight but not so effective at leaving my hair sleek and shine - i still end up with the frizzies, even after blow-drying, such that i have to use other smoothing products as well. it does keep my ends from feeling too dry and also detangles and leaves a nice scent.

December 21, 2010

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk

smooth away the frizzies IF you blow dry...

if i let my hair air dry, i get a major case of the frizzies (living in a foggy area doesn't help much!) if i take the time to blow dry my hair, i still get a few frizzies plus dry looking ends. but if i use this product on my damp hair before blowdrying, it helps tame my hair to look a bit smoother and shinier. i also use this for touching up my hair when it's dry and a little out of control. a little bit goes a long way (otherwise it does start to weigh your hair down - i recommend you only use on the ends, not the roots).

December 21, 2010

Maybelline New York XXL Curl Washable Mascara

provides some curl

i have eyelashes that go straight down =( and i have yet to master the use of an eyelash curler so i'm always on the look out for a good curling mascara. with its two wands, this mascara adds a step (and time) to my morning routine so it won't do when i'm in a rush! but if i take the time, the primer works in extending my lashes just a little bit and the curved wands for both brushes add a little bit of lift. not the best for separating lashes but at least it's not as clumpy as other brands. i'll keep searching for the miracle curling mascara...

December 21, 2010

Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser

great cleanser but horrible scent

if only this were an unscented product i would give it more stars! it definitely works for absorbing oil from your hair and refreshing your tresses for the second (or third) day). but the scent is just too overpowering - my kids wouldn't stop complaining and it lingered into the afternoon and evening after a morning application.

December 20, 2010

TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo

works great on third day hair!

i'm surprised at all the negative reviews - this is, by far, the best smelling dry shampoo i've tried to date! the scent is clean and fresh, not strong and overpowering like other brands out there. as for the powdery finish others complain about, you have to brush your hair a few times to distribute it and get it working at absorbing the oil. it even adds a bit of volume! but i agree, my hair does feel heavier after an application - i have to wash my hair the day after i use this, and clean my brushes more regularly. but for saving me from one more day of shampooing, it works fine - and at a great price too!

December 20, 2010

Benefit Smokin' Eyes

smokin' eyes for dummies!

i picked this up hoping i could finally get the smoky eye look right - and i did thanks to the handy step-by-step instructions! i agree with the other reviewer, it's missing mascara to complete the look but otherwise it's a great product. it would also be helpful to have a sharpener for the pencil and more than just two brushes but you can only fit so much in this travel set! i actually wear the light pink eyeshadow and brow wax on a daily basis; the shadow is wonderfully fine and never creases, with just the right amount of shimmer to brighten up my eyse, while the brow wax is a subtle brown that tames and fills my unruly brows perfectly. a bit pricey but worth every penny!

December 20, 2010

Pond's Exfoliating Clean Sweep, Cucumber Cleansing Towelettes

quick cleanse

cleansing towelettes are a quick part of my bedtime routine - such an easy way to remove makeup! i was hoping the exfoliating would brighten up my skin a bit but i haven't noticed any difference; if anything, my skin's been a bit drier and itchier (perhaps due to the winter weather).

December 20, 2010