Drugstore Beauty Finds

Diamond 12-Hour Lip Treatment: Drugstore Lipgloss Therapy

March 6th, 2009 by Karen 31 Comments

sally hansen diamond 12 hour lip treatment baguette

A few years ago I was working in downtown San Francisco as a legal assistant. There were times when the job made me *really grumpy.* Don’t get me wrong — I was glad to have a steady paycheck, but on those days when I felt under-appreciated, overlooked and extra cranky, I’d cross the street from work to the drugstore on my breaks and seek comfort in the makeup aisle.

It was on one of those misery-fueled, escapist trips that I discovered Sally Hansen’s Diamond 12-Hour Lip Treatment ($6), and I’ve been a fan of the line ever since. 🙂

sally hansen diamond 12 hour lip treatment eternity

These glosses are like non-stick, vanilla-scented (but no taste) drugstore versions of MAC Lipglass. Each tube packs may-jah color and shine, delivering added moisture as well, and they last for hours on my lips without budging one bit.

sally hansen diamond 12 hour lip treatment flawless

Sally Hansen Diamond 12-Hour Lip Treatment

Price: $6
Use: A bargain moisturizing lipgloss that delivers rich color and shine.
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

I have to remember with these that the included brush always feels incredibly stiff when I first open a tube, but if I squash the brush tip on a surface like the back of my hand a few times it softens up the bristles.

When I’m having a rough day, Diamond 12-Hour Lip Treatment is a perfect bargain makeup pick-me-up.

America’s Best Dance Crew Season Finale SPOILER ALERT!

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Stuck Between Pimples and Wrinkles? Biore Skin Preservation Skin Care Collection Targets Transitional Skin

March 3rd, 2009 by Karen 22 Comments

biore skin preservation collection

Is your skin going through ch-ch-ch-changes? If you’ve driven by the teenage skin stage but aren’t quite ready for anti-aging creams, then Biore’s new Skin Preservation Skin Care Collection might be worth a test drive.

Biore says the collection helps delay the signs of aging while simultaneously treating dryness, texture and tone. All this, and it won’t strip your skin.

Items in the five-piece collection, which includes a gel cleanser, an exfoliator, an eye cream and two moisturizers (one with SPF 30 for day; one without for night), range from $7-$15 in price.

While I get the sense that Biore created the line for women in their 20s, budget mavens of all ages could find a lot to like.

I played with three of the products: See the Future Fortifying Eye Cream ($15), Clean Things Up Nourishing Gel Cleanser ($7) and Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator ($15).

My skin’s a combination of oily, dry and acne-prone — lucky me, right? LOL! When I was in my 20s, it was very oily, and I’d get lots of small pimples on my chin and forehead. The switch to combo-skin was quite unexpected and happened within the last two years. As for wrinkles, I have a few fine lines around my eyes, and I’m starting to see faint expression lines on my forehead and around my smile. 🙂

biore see the future fortifying eye cream
See the Future Fortifying Eye Cream ($15) smells like green tea to me, and I love green tea. Biore says it’s a cream, but it feels light, thin and non-greasy — more like an eye gel. The texture totes reminds me of MAC’s Fast Response Eye Cream.

Biore also claims it de-puffs, moisturizes and targets fine lines around the eyes, and they suggest applying it in the morning, evening or any time under makeup.

I liked the smooth, slippery texture and how quickly it sunk into my skin. Immediately, I noticed a visible de-puffing on my eyelids and around my eyes.

I didn’t really see any significant changes in fine lines, but ya know, it’s an eye gel, not a Christmas miracle.

Moisturization feels moderate, but then again my skin can get pretty dry, so I prefer richer eye creams. However, if your skin is oily or normal, then this might suit you just fine. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

biore clean things up nourishing gel cleanser

Clean Things Up Nourishing Gel Cleanser ($7) has the same yummy green tea scent, and washing with it feels invigorating. I barely need to use any to get a good foam going, and when I rise it off the cleanser removes all of my makeup without leaving my skin feeling taut or uncomfortable.

Because it’s the middle of winter and my skin is drier than usual, I notice even the tiniest bit of tightness around my cheeks and nose. It’s very slight, though. I think when my skin is oilier in the summer it probably won’t be an issue.

If your skin is normal or oily and you’re looking for a basic cleanser that removes everything without stripping your skin, then this is a keeper. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

biore even smoother microderm exfoliator

Biore stuffed Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator ($15) with hella exfoliating granules to do some serious scrubbing.

It contains fine alumina crystals (the same crystals used in micro-dermabrasion procedures). I can definitely feel the scrubbies going to work, and I have to take care not to press too hard or too vigorously; otherwise, my skin feels a little raw when I’m done.
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Aveeno Nourish+ Hair Care Collection: Knot Your Average Hair Care

March 2nd, 2009 by Karen 30 Comments

aveeno nourish moisturize shampoo conditioner leave in review

I have combination oily/dry skin and have been using Aveeno’s kick arse moisturizing lotions for years (“Ahhh, Aveeno!”). I expected a lot when I found out the company plans to release a new hair care line this April.

Nourish+ contains what Aveeno calls Nourishing Wheat Complex (LOL, reminds me of my endless quest for fiber), a compound that targets damaged hair.

A few days ago I started my testing, running Aveeno Nourish+ Revitalize Shampoo, Nourish+ Revitalize Conditioner and Nourish+Condition Leave-In Treatment ($7 each) through their paces.

The marketing said I’d see results in just three washes — that’s an incredible claim, right? — with the product supposedly working by zeroing in on the weakest part of the hair follicle and then depositing just the right amount of proteins to make hair look and feel stronger, softer and shinier.

Three washes?

Softness, shine and volume: check!

Well, three washes later, and the verdict’s in: I do see an increase in softness, shine and volume.

But in terms of damage repair, I think it’s harder to tell. Even though my ends are dry, I didn’t have many split ends to begin with, and I haven’t really seen a visible change in hair strength. I’m glad to see that the products haven’t made the situation worse… That’s always a good thing.

The change in softness and shine were both obvious enough for me to notice, and for that I’m sold on Nourish+.

A clean, fresh scent and fewer knots

Beyond the added softness and shine, all three products are excellent detanglers. Since I started my Nourish+ regimen, brushing my hair has been easier. I have fewer knots and have been seeing less hair go down the drain in the shower.
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Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons: Um, Where’s the Shimmer?

February 28th, 2009 by Karen 28 Comments

olay body wash plus tone enriching ribbons

I hesitate when it comes to trying shimmery body products because walking around with sparkly skin holds no appeal to me, but my curiosity won out when I picked up Olay Body Wash Plus with Tone Enriching Ribbons ($5).

Olay claims the product contains things called mica minerals to add “tone enriching” shimmer to skin while delivering “deep moisture.” My skin always feels drier than shredded wheat, so I gave it a try.

I’d half ~~hoped~~ wondered if the shimmer would leave me looking like I’d just come home from a rave circa 1992.

gold-finger-1

Since the product’s big selling point is the shimmer, I expected to see some on my skin, but no such luck. I couldn’t see even the faintest glow — no glitter, no shimmer, nada.

I wanted to make sure it wasn’t due to my darker skin tone, so I had El Hub, who’s lighter than I am, give it a try.

Same thing. I couldn’t see any difference on his skin, either (although I give thanks every time something prompts El Hub to clean).
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Sally Hansen Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencils Pack Marathon Staying Power

February 27th, 2009 by Karen 35 Comments

sally hansen natural beauty inspired by carmindy forever stay eye pencil blue indigo

Blue Indigo and Prune… Nope, I’m not referring to the names of failed superheroes, yet just like comic book characters, these two Sally Hansen Forever Stay Eye Pencils ($8) are superhumanly blessed.

Blue Indigo (a matte emerald blue) and Prune (a matte violet) pack marathon staying power and seriously intense color. With rich jewel-toned colors and a durable waterproof formula, they’re powerful drugstore seducers.

You know how some liners creep onto your lid after a few hours? So not the case with Forever Stay. Once applied, it stays put from dawn to dusk with nary a smudge.

The other day, I applied Blue Indigo in the morning before heading to school. I only had a minute to manipulate and smudge the color in place, but that was enough. The liner was on like Donkey Kong.

Later that day after school I sweated through an hour-long power yoga DVD (Tabs gets up in my mix whenever I downward dog, ha), and Blue Indigo still refused to smear or fade.

sally hansen natural beauty inspired by carmindy forever stay eye pencil prune

Before I removed my makeup that night, I estimated that roughly 80% of the color remained in place. It was still going strong along my lash line. Although it had just barely begun to fade along my waterline, Blue Indigo definitely lasted longer than the average pencil liner.

Beyond its awesome staying power, Forever Stay glides across skin like skates on fresh ice. Shoot, these liners might be even smoother than Hugh Jackman in a tuxedo — and that’s smooooooth, people! 🙂
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Sally Hansen Ultra Soothing Lip Tint: My Lips Are Soothed, but Where’s the Tint?

February 25th, 2009 by Karen 28 Comments

sally hansen natural beauty carmindy ultra soothing lip tints

Sally Hansen usually rocks when it comes to lip products (you gotta try the Color Comfort Lip Color lipsticks, yo!), which is why the Ultra Soothing Lip Tints from the Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy line ($10) threw me for a loop.

I didn’t expect Cranberry (peach), Pomegranate (red) and Melon (hot pink) to provide full-color coverage, but I expected them to pack at least a little pigment.

I should have known something was up from how sheer they looked in the swatches on the back of my hand…

They yielded almost no color on my lips. The tint’s M.I.A., just like Joaquin Phoenix’s good sense!

joaquin phoenix is a hot mess, yo

The lip swatch below shows Melon, the brightest shade of the bunch, after one layer. Apart from the shine, I think my lips look like they’re bare.
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Drugstore Elegance with Physicians Formula Cosmetics

February 25th, 2009 by Karen 48 Comments

physicians formula cosmetics makeup

Earlier today I set my mind to doing a shimmery gray eye and pink cheek look with a few items from Physicians Formula.

physicians formula cosmetics makeup karen fotd

I wanted a friend to keep me company, so I asked Tabs. He shot me a dirty look for waking him up, but he shoots me dirty looks all the time; I’m used to it. 🙂

Elegant isn’t a word I always associate with drugstore makeup, but when it comes to the looks possible with these four items from Physicians Formula (each about $12), I think it fits.

physicians formula cosmetics makeup eyeshadow palette

My favorite part of the look is the eye. I think it’s something I’d wear out to a fancy restaurant, assuming, of course, I ever go to one (yes, El Hub, that IS a hint!).

Shimmer Strips in Smoky Brown Eyes ($11)

The overall look relies heavily on Shimmer Strips in Smoky Brown Eyes ($11), a palette of nine coordinating eyeshadow shades from cool-toned brown to gray and silver.

physicians formula cosmetics makeup eye

I feel like the shadow colors totes resemble Clinque’s and offer the same soft, non-gritty texture with medium pigmentation. Gotta love the delicate shimmer, too. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Organic Wear Mascara in Black Organics ($10)

physicians formula organic wear cosmetics mascara

To accentuate the gray eyes, I reached for a black mascara, applying four coats (!) of Organic Wear Mascara in Black Organics ($10). It boasts a formula that’s free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives and parabens.

This baby builds crazy good, with absolutely no clumping or flaking, and the stubby brush managed to grab even my wimpiest lashes.

I love the definition Organic Wear delivers, and it lengthens and thickens well enough, but it’s not going to satisfy someone with dramatic drag queen lash lust. If you already have long, full lashes and just need a lil’ something-something to define them, look no further. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush ($14)

physicians formula organic wear cosmetics blush

The Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush ($14) powder duo comes in the same cute beige and green packaging that the Mascara comes in, and it makes the same claim about having all-natural ingredients, too. I’m not always influenced by those kinds of claims, but when a product performs well, particularly a drugstore product, and just happens to be all-natural, it’s icing on the cake.

The product comes in a variety of shades. Pink Rose, part of the Light Bronzer/Pink Rose duo, is a matte peachy pink that looks light and natural on my cheeks, lasts all day long and layers with ease.

Unfortunately, Light Bronzer turned out to be too light for my skin and doesn’t really work for me as a bronzer, but I do like the fine texture of the powder. In the right shade, I’d like it a lot, thanks to how natural it looks and how easily it applies. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
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A Drugstore Makeup Jamboree! Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy

February 24th, 2009 by Karen 43 Comments

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy all

Where are all my drugstore makeup loving girls at? This week I’m doing a ton o’ testing, testing one-two-three on products from drugstore lines like Rimmel, Physician’s Formula, Cover Girl, N.Y.C. New York Color and Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy (what a mouthful!).

Bring on the budget reviews!

I’m in the thick of testing and will post more extensive reviews of these products over the next couple days, but I couldn’t wait to show you a few pictures of the Carmindy stuff I swatched today.

Making a good first impression

Check out the intense color of the Forever Stay Eye Pencils in Blue Indigo (matte royal blue) and Prue (matte violet).

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencil Pure Plum Blue Indigo

I couldn’t believe how smoothly the tips glided across the back of my hand…

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencil Pure Plum Blue Indigo closeup

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencil Pure Plum Blue Indigo swatches

Now, those of you with a highlighter addiction, please stand up. I’m right there with you, girl. I sure hope Carmindy’s Natural Higlighters deliver. I’ll let you know soon, but for now…
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