Philosophy Purity Made Simple face wash

Somehow I have managed to not review one of my favorite products ever!  I think I've even mentioned it in other posts and I guess I assumed I had already written about it.  You know what they say about assumptions; they make an ass out of u and, uh, mptions?  That's not right. 

This is my longest-used product and one that would be a contender if I had to pick only one I couldn't live without.  It was so long ago I can't tell you how I discovered it but I'm so glad I did.  The first thing you will notice is that this is a non-foaming cleanser.  Although I can't get past that with hair products, I got past it pretty easily with Purity.  It literally melts the make up off your face leaving you with a clean, but moisturized face.  I even tried the toner test to see if there was any residue or make up left over but there wasn't.  I have one friend who said it was too drying for her.  Of course not everything works for everyone but based on reviews I've seen, she is in the minority.  It even removes eye make-up which is a huge plus in my book.  It also has never made me break out and that is a big problem for me with many face products.  With my adoration for this product, you can imagine how happy I was when they started making a cleansing cloth.  I try to stick to a routine and take good care of my skin but some days that whole, bending over the sink/splashing water thing is just too much.  It is a little pricey but it lasts a LONG time and comes in different sizes so you can decide how much you want to spend (I recommend the 16 oz, which will last 3-4 months, for every day use).

Oh, and for those of you who just can't feel clean without foam, they make a foaming gel version now too but you'll have to let me know how that one is if you try it.

http://www.philosophy.com/facial-clenasers/purity-made-simple,en_US,pd.html

Guerlain Maxi Lash mascara

I have a new love.  Like most loves, it isn't perfect but, the good so outweighs the bad, it can't dampen that "new relationship" feel.  It started with a deluxe sample.  I've only ever tried one Guerlain product, their Terracotta Skin Health Glow Foundation (also a sample), which I loved but when I went to buy it, I was talked into Giorgio Armani Face Fabric.  The Armani is still in my rotation but I've never purchased the full size Terracotta skin.  Anyway, I digress.  I can't believe how much volume and length this mascara gives!  It is marketed as a curling mascara but I don't really see it doing that.  Luckily for me it's not a problem but if it is, I'm sure you are already adept at handling a lash curler so don't let that stop you.  Just a few swipes is all you need.  I feel like it almost looks like false eyelashes only, you know, not false.  Check it out:

I am wearing a bit of black eyeshadow applied with an eyeliner brush on my lash line and the mascara.  And this is before I remembered to comb them out!  I think they look even better (less crunchy) in person.

Now, that tiny flaw I mentioned?  It does smudge a little.  But really, just a little.  Having to wipe my eyelids once during the day and once in the evening seems a small price to pay.  Besides, it gives me an excuse to look in the mirror and admire my lashes :-)

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

If you've read my other posts, you know that my biggest concern is my undereye area.  Between genetic dark circles and wrinkles (which are called cross-hatching but I prefer to use the term "fairy trails"), they are the number one thing that makes me look my age.  I am constantly searching for a miracle.  Unfortunately this isn't it.  This product is fine.  It is slightly tinted and goes on smoothly.  It seems to hydrate well enough but does not do anything for my dark circles or make it any harder for the fairies to find their way.  I did use a sample of this and not the full size product but even their own description says it "is clinically proven to visibly lighten dark circles by 30% in 12 weeks."  Only 30% in 12 weeks?  I didn't use it that long but that doesn't seem like a great deal to me.  I guess that is better than claiming miracles overnight.  As always, Clinique's prices aren't as crazy as some of the other skincare companies and they do make a decent product.  I, however, needed better results in a shorter time.

http://www.clinique.com/product/1683/22695/Skincare/Eye_Lips/Even-Better-Eyes-Dark-Circle-Corrector/index.tmpl

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

I was so excited to get this new concealer based on the reviews that I placed an order just for it.  It seemed like a dream come true.  A hydrating, creamy concealer that helps to mask imperfections while also treating the skin!  When it was delivered, I put it on that very night.  To say the least, I was shocked.  It not only did not hide my fairy trails, it made them more visible and made my undereyes look dry.  I can't say if it covered dark circles because it didn't blend enough to be able to tell.  This is one of the worst concealors I've ever used.  I can't understand how it can get any good reviews at all.  The only positive thing I can say is that it comes in 10 shades and the shade I bought, honey, was a nice match.  However, it could come in 100 shades and it still wouldn't make it a good product.  I really expect more from this company.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/complexion/concealers/radiant-creamy-concealer/honey

Stila Stay All Day® 10-In-One HD Bronzing Beauty Balm

I can sum up this review in two words:  oompa loompa.  Bronzers are probably one of the trickiest products out there.  The idea is great on paper but, in my experience, rarely translates to the face.  This product is no exception.  You might be able to use this if you already have a tan but that's not really the point, is it?  I won't give up trying to find something that gives a little bit of color to my winter, deathly pallor but the answer isn't found here.

http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-10-in-one-hd-bronzing-beauty-balm-with-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P377340?skuId=1477256

Creations by Alan Stuart Women's Pedi-Couture Sandals

Today's post is a little different.  With warmer weather trying to asset itself, it's time to start thinking about getting your feet pretty.  If you're like me, you probably don't pay much attention to your toenails in the winter.  That can make for some pretty gnarly piggies come sandal time.  I mostly do my nails at home but I like to to get a pedicure to kick off the summer.  Whether you do it at home or in a salon, the problem is always keeping them nice until the polish dries.  You could wear the toe separators but it looks kind of silly and flips flops work pretty well but you can still smudge your polish.  I saw these in a catalog and they seem like a great solution.  They are cute enough to wear while going about your errands.  They can also be used therapeutically to help stretch out your toes.  Great for people with bunions, crowded toes, or just tired feet.  I haven't tried these yet so they aren't Beauty Scoop Diva approved but I just wanted to pass along the tip.  If you have them or do try them, please leave a comment!

http://www.footsmart.com/P-Creations-by-Alan-Stuart-Womens-Pedi-Couture-Sandals-77803.aspx

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I was very excited to get this deluxe sample because it gets such rave reviews on their site and Sephora (although all their products have no less than 4 stars on their site which I find a little suspect).  I got the original, colorless formula but they have many different takes on it - color correcting, luminizing, hydrating, dark spot correcting and with spf.  The original goes on smoothly and gives a nice powdery finish that alone makes skin look a little more even and "soft."  Not all primers are made for oil control but in my opinion, they should work that way.  I also believe that any primer should be able to be used alone for that purpose if you already have good skin that is just sometimes shiny.  I didn't use this one alone because I need a little more color.  It was easy to apply my Smashbox BB Cream over top.  I usually finish with some kind of powder.  All of that sounds good but I really wasn't impressed with its staying power.  By the middle of the day I would be very oily in my T-zone.  The one thing I can say is that, after blotting, it looked nice again and lasted for a few more hours.  I don't think any product can be perfect but it was the amount of shine that swayed me.  Any good primer should help control it better than this.  Unless I just have the oiliest face known to man, I really don't see what all the hype is about.

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6038/18502/Face/Primer/PHOTO-FINISH-FOUNDATION-PRIMER/Total-Beauty-Readers-Choice-2010/index.tmpl