Tarte LipSurgence natural lip tint

"This natural lip tint is clinically proven to give you a 6000% increase in lips' moisture content in 28 days!"  6000%...really??  That's good if you want lips the consistency of watery Jell-O.  I'll settle for lips that don't crack and bleed.  This is a sheer lip stain.  It goes on easily and has a wonderful minty smell.  It makes your lips feel slippery, not sticky.  The color does stain your lips but not as much as a regular lip stain would.  However, it doesn't dry out your lips as much as most stains.  I got it in Moody (dark berry) and I have found that most lip stains work better in darker colors.  I would like to try one of the lighter colors but I'll probably wait until Spring.  It is similar to both Sephora's Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil (the best deal) and Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil.  And for you True Blood fans, they have an exclusive color.


http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lipsurgence-natural-lip-tint

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes mascara

In the time it takes you to read this, 11 tubes of Great Lash mascara were sold in America.  This iconic mascara was released in 1971 with the distinctive package design by Lilly Pulitzer.  It really hasn't changed much over the years.  The big innovation on this one is the "heart-shaped" brush.  It has rows of teeth-like combs like many newer brushes but tapers to almost a point.  I guess the point is to get your smaller, inner lashes with the smaller side of the brush.  It's a good idea in theory but the brush is not long enough.  It feels very awkward when using it.  The formula is the same as you're used to and it doesn't flake or smudge.  Great Lash has always been a decent mascara at a decent price.  However, their new wand falls short.  If you like the mascara, I would stick with the original or the Big Lash brush.


http://www.maybelline.com/products/153/eyes/mascara/great-lash-lots-of-lashes-washable/very-black/141?shadeId=837

Interesting fact:  The inventor of mascara developed a modified version of the coal dust and Vaseline he saw his sister using to darken her lashes.  It was a local hit but the name, Lash-Brow-Ine kept it from having wider spread success so he renamed it Maybelline for his sister, Maybel and Vaseline, his two inspirations.  (The company is now owned by L'Oreal)

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric foundation

I have totally been remiss with my reviews and I apologize.  I'm going to try to "make-up" for it as the holidays approach.  And the best place to start is the foundation.  I have never been a big fan of liquid foundation.  I know it gives the best coverage but I just never liked the way it feels.  But, with the shorter days and lack of sunlight, I need to do something to keep people from constantly checking my pulse.  So, I did some research.  I had never used Girgio Armani make up but the Face Fabric got rave reviews.  I went to Nordstrom's so I could try it on first.  She put on color 1 and my face was transformed.  I wondered though, if it would still be the same when I put it on at home using my fingers instead of a sponge.  I decided to give it a try.  It turned out to be way to light for me!  If looking warmer than death was my goal, this was not the shade for me.  I went back to exchange it and got color 2.  This one is great.  It has a velvety feel and smooths out my skin tone and wrinkles.  Once it's on, I can't even feel it.  It only comes in 7 shades so it might be hard to match but if you can find a color that suits you, I highly recommend it.  The price tag is a little hefty but, like many good cosmetics, a little goes a long way!

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/face-fabric-foundation-spf-12/A247,default,pd.html

Tip:  (from the make up counter girl) when trying on make up in a department store, hold the mirror above your head and look up.  This helps block some of the flourescent lights and gives you a better idea of the real color.  (from me) walk around the store or mall a bit to see the make up in different lights.  Even go outside if you can.  It's also a great way to not be pressured into buying something you aren't sure of.