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Looks like Lancome's Oscillation Mascara was a hit! Beauty And The Blog is reporting that Sephora sold out as early as 6am. Seriously girls? What were you doing up so early? No mascara in the world is going to help you if you've got big bags under your eyes. Fortunately enough for us girls who actually sleep, the mall didn't open until 9, so we had time to pick ours up too!
What's the verdict? It's definitely different, and in a good way. Here's why,
Guéret said he got the idea for an oscillating mascara brush while looking at makeup artists. When applying mascara, makeup artists move the brush in an upward, zig-zag pattern and it really does make a difference! Guéret wanted to recreate the same vibrating effect with a simple brush so that every girl could get professional results.
So is it a must have? Yes, it's worth having in your makeup box. Now go add it to your wish list and hope that Santa stops by Sephora before filling your stocking this year.
If you struggle with cellulite, then you've probably never been to Bliss World, or maybe you have, but you were reluctant to buy anything due to their heavy price tags. Completely understandable, who has money for yet another $30 cream that promises the world and then doesn't deliver? If you somehow stumbled upon this blog looking for a treatment that actually works on cellulite, this is seriously your lucky day because I'm going to post the top treatments so you can quit throwing your money away on stuff that doesn't work.
Top 7 (priced high to low)
-Sampar Go Figure Slimming Gel $80.00 (find it at blissworld.com)
-Murad Firm and Tone Serum $75 (find it on Amazon or Sephora.com)
-Clarins Total Body Lift $60 (find it on Amazon.com or Sephora.com)
-Oligo DX Cellulite Reducing Gel $38 (find it on Amazon.com)
-Bliss fatgirlslim $30 (find it at blissworld.com)
-Neutrogena Anti- Cellulite Treatment $15 (Find it at your local drugstore or online)
- Nivea Body Good-Bye Cellulite Gel-Cream $10 (Check Wal-mart, or Amazon.com)
Vibrating mascara- yes, that's right, Lancome is launching a "power" mascara that vibrates. It's scheduled to hit stores in December, but Sephora is offering it up for ONE DAY ONLY on July 31st (Yes, this Thursday!)
So get it while it is hot, and please, please don't poke your eyes out using the thing.
Oh, and by the way, this little guy is going to retail for $45.00, so start saving.
When Nivea introduced their lip care line, I was pretty darn excited. Afterall, Nivea's skin cremes are some of my faves. I purchased some as soon as I could get my hands on a tube, and used it right away. The size of this stuff threw me off, the tube is larger than most, and kind of reminds me of glue sticks- you know, the kind you use in first grade? Yeah, it got me daydreaming about my elementary crush Jacob Campbell- oh la la la, wonder what he's up to now?
Anyway, applying this stuff is fairly nice. It glides well, and isn't too sticky or greasy. I did find that if I pressed too firmly the stuff went right back into it's big ol' tube, so I had to keep twisting it up. It's available in a bunch of different shimmery shades, but unfortunately no flavors (yet!) It's a simple clean smell and taste, just what you can expect from Nivea. It does have a hint of the same smell as their body cremes, which is lovely. It absorbs quickly, but moisturizes well. It only contains an SPF 4, which is not nearly enough protection, but use it at work and it will probably keep you through your lunch break.
Overall 4/10, not a miracle product, but the tube is super cutie and I absolutely can't say no to a Nivea product.
I asked women of all ages what their favorite facial scrub was, and it became obvious that St. Ives is by far one of the most beloved.
An extremely popular brand, and often cheaper than it's competitors such as Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, and Biore. This product is easy to find and simple to use. Simply wet face, gently apply with fingertips and rinse. It also smells amazing.
The most interesting answer (although not very popular) was Buf-Puf Facial Sponges by 3M. Yes, the same people who make post it's (no it wasn't actually Romy and Michele) now make products for your face. 3M claims to gently massage away dead skin cells, and give you smooth, clean, and healthy looking skin. You can use it daily, and the facial sponges come in three textures: Regular (for normal to oily skin,) Gentle (combination and normal skin,) and Extra Gentle (for dry, delicate or sensitive skin.) They're simple to use, just add soap and water. They even come in disposable singles, cool!
Do It Yourself Facial
If you've ever been to a sauna, and liked it, you'll love a facial. Steam is used to open pores, so that dead skin, oil, whiteheads/blackheads can
easily be removed. Facials at a spa can cost you hundreds of dollars, but you can easily get similar great results by giving yourself one at home for a lot less.
What to do:
Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil buildup on your skins surface.
Boil a large pot of water, you can add eucalyptus or lavender to make it more relaxing.
Once the water is to a boil, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a towel, cover your head and hold you face over the pot. (Make sure the pot it not so close that it will burn your skin- to make it easier, pour the boiling water into your bathroom sink *plugged of course!* Stay there with a towel covering your head for about 5-10 minutes. If you have bad blackheads or large pores, stay the maximum amount of time.
Using a blackhead extractor (also known as a complexion extractor) remove blackheads. Do not attempt to remove blackheads that are not easily released.
Rinse face with warm water. Apply a facial mask for your skin type (I highly recommend Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask.) Let dry, and rinse well with warm water.
Splash your face with cold water, paying close attention oily areas. Pat dry, and moisturize with your favorite facial lotion.
Why you should drink lemon water: 
#1, It's amazing for the skin. It helps eliminate toxins and gives your skin an amazing glow.
#2, Aids in digestion (ew, yeah) but, listen up, because although it may sound gross- last weeks hamburger may be rotting in your stomach RIGHT NOW...so drink up the lemon water, and get rid of it asap. It also helps get rid of heartburn and bloating- so put on those skinny jeans!
#3, The high levels of Vitamin C found in lemons will keep you from catching that cold going around.
#4, It has been shown to improve acne.
#5, Vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth and gums- so keep smiling, and keep drinking!
#6, Helps with nail and hair growth, and what girl doesn't want that?
What to do: It's best to drink lemon water warm, so boil distalled water, squeeze about 1/2 lemon in, and enjoy twice daily. It's pretty yummy too- that's always a plus!
Acne is a tough thing to beat, and trying to find makeup that agrees with it is even harder. A lot of acne sufferers just try to lay on the foundation in hopes to cover their breakouts, but as we all know, it simply just makes it look worse- and more obvious in my opinion. If you have extremely dry skin, peeling or flaky skin you know that foundations and powders often make your problem areas more noticeable. So what can you do? I'll tell you exactly what products you need, which ones to avoid, and how to use each one to your advantage so you can finally have a radiant, healthy looking complexion and feel confident.
What you'll need:
-Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
-Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick
-Smashbox Under Eye Brightener
-Benefit Cosmetics Georgia
(Details, prices, and where you can buy these items coming up later...)
How to apply:
Start off with a freshly cleansed face. Try using a mild soap (such as Cliniques) instead of a harsh acne scrub. Scrubs leave your face and your acne red and irritated. Gently apply Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer with your fingertips or with a foundation brush, blend well. Next, use your Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick and apply where needed. Blend in with your fingertips or preferably a concealer brush. Make sure concealer is blended completely. Apply Smashbox Under Eye Brighter under your eyes for an easy lift that will give your face a nice healthy glow. Evenly apply the Benefit Georgia powder (not too much!) A quick sweep across the forehead and cheeks is enough.About the products:
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a great way to fill in pores, give your skin an even tone, and an overall flawless finish. It's works well with acne because it has skin soothing antioxidants and vitamins that work with your skin, not against it. It will also make blending your concealer easier. I recommend purchasing this product in "color adjust" which will help aid in minimizing redness.
$38
Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick is meant to not only cover blemishes, but clear them too. It's oil free, but still blends easily and is of course fragrance free.
$13
Smashbox Under Eye Brightener is one of my faves. I have horrible (genetic) bags under my eyes, and absolutely nothing covered them completely. That was until I met this wonderful product! It works wonders because it contains tons of skin boosting ingredients like vitamin C, red wine extract, peptides and marine collagen. It has a bit of a shimmer to it too, so expect to be glowing!
$18
Benefit Cosmetics/Georgia Powder is lovely because it gives your skin a sunkissed glow that doesn't look fake. It leaves your face smooth and radiant, and adds light pleasant fragrance.
$28
Where to buy:
You can purchase all of these items at Sephora or Sephora.com. All orders over $50.00 come with free shipping and 3 samples!
* I just want to add for new readers, I do not get paid for writing these reviews or making product recommendations! So everything here is written from true, personal experience.*
One of my readers, Brenda, asked for a recommendation for an affordable foundation that wouldn't leave her skin looking cakey. I completely understand her need to find the perfect one because I've tested quite a few, ranging from drugstore brands to the higher end stuff. It can be difficult and time consuming (let's not forget to mention highly expensive)to find one that is everything you need. Onto the reviews...
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation 
$8 As soon as you open this little guy up, you'll be a happy camper. The silky feel of this stuff is amazing. It's easy to apply due to its creamy consistency and blends well. If you're looking for a foundation to cover discoloration or just give your skin a little lift, this little jar of magic is well worth the eight bucks...and yeah, it goes on so naturally that people will be asking, was she born with it? **Not recommended for acne suffers. You'll need fairly good skin for this foundation girls- or you'll be left with a cakey mess around your breakouts***
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Mineral Powder Foundation
$10
If you're looking for an alternative to the expensive Bare Minerals foundation, you should try Neutrogena's version. Good coverage, especially for those of us who want to cover up those ugly bags under our eyes. It gives you a wonderful fresh look to your skin, and doesn't appear cakey at all. The only thing I'd recommend changing would be the packaging. The brush is poor quality, and the powder distributes itself in a very uneven way, forcing you to spend more time and effort on your makeup. Your best bet is to pop off the brush and use your own to apply the powder, which will allow you not only a quicker makeup routine, but give you better coverage. Again, not recommended for people looking for tons of coverage or with acne.
Cover Girl Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer $8
No, it's not a foundation- but once on your face, you'll be amazed. Avoid that cakey melt right off your-face mess this summer by using a tinted moisturizer instead of a heavy foundation. It won't cover up blemishes, but it will even out your tone, cover tiny imperfections, and give you a nice healthy glow. It also doubles as sunscreen, what more could you ask for?
Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15
$19
A very sheer coverage that is not only waterproof for summer time, but it's also oil free so it won't clog your pores. Healthier pores=beautiful skin. It covers very well, goes on smoothly, and of course, doubles as a sunscreen. Perfect for summer!
Sephora Brand Balancing Liquid Foundation SPF 15 
$6 I love Sephora products, my neighbors are use to seeing my UPS man drive up and deliver my beloved Sephora boxes. Here's the thing with liquid foundations, if you have oily skin, it's going to not only clog your pores further, but it will melt right off your face. If you have normal or dry skin, liquid foundations are great to use, and Sephora's brand is no different. It feels light and will even out your skin tone, give you good coverage, and protect you from the sun with it's SPF 15.
Loreal True Match- Super Blendable Liquid Makeup
$10
Extremely pure, contains no pore clogging oils or harsh fragrances. It's packed with vitamins B and E that help nourish your skin. Blends very well and offers medium coverage. Recommended for all skin types.
***Note to my readers who suffer from acne, I will be posting a blog dedicated to makeup for your skin type specifically.***
Save up your money kiddies, Nars new fall 2008 collection is gorgeous. It is super sophiscated, and I don't know about you, but I think I'm in l.o.v.e! Check out the new stuff at Nars' Online!
