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

Blinc mascara

This mascara has pros and cons but the biggest plus is that it WILL NOT smudge.  Even during the most torrential cry storm, the tubes (explained later) may come off but you won't end up with streaks and smudges down your face.

I first tried this mascara shortly after it first came out in 1999 when it was still called "Kiss Me" mascara.  I loved it's staying power but wasn't too happy with how it looked on.  It made my lashes look long and spidery.  I believe they have changed the formula or the brush (maybe both) since then although I couldn't find any confirmation of that.  I've also learned some tricks and patience when applying mascara.

This mascara forms a tiny tube around your lash that somehow seals onto it.  You can't pull it off and it doesn't come off with a small amount of water.  However, when you want to take it off, you just splash your face liberally, in the shower or over the sink, and they slide right off.

You need to take your time when applying it.  Once it sets you can't add coats.  I feel it gives you more length than volume but you can get it to look pretty decent.  It doesn't clump much but you can use an eyelash comb before it sets for separation.  If you don't like the way it looks alone, you can try another tip from their website.  Just brush on a coat over your regular mascara.  I did that today and so far it's been good.  If I squeeze my eyelashes and gently tug on them, no color comes off. 

It seems that other brands have gotten into the mascara "tubes" game including L'Oreal which sells one for $10.95.  Look for a post on that in the future.  And Blinc has come out with an "Amplified" version although the reviews weren't very good but there are some other choices out there.  So then, if you have problems with  smudging, are going to a wedding or even just a tearjerker movie, this is the mascara for you.

http://www.blincinc.com/mascara.php