Urban Decay Vintage De-Slick mattifying powder

Since I often refer to my face as an oil slick, trying this product was a no-brainer.  It is a lavender tinted powder that comes in a groovy purple case.  The puff that comes with it sticks to the mirror when you open the case which is kind of cool for no apparent reason.  The puff is a little on the thin side and, because I use it over my BB Cream, it gets color on it pretty quickly.  I've switched mine out for a sponge puff and it works just as well.  I equate this product to powder blotting papers without the size limitations.  It really takes away the shine.  Even though it is a little tinted, I think this could be used on most skin shades.  You just have to be careful to rub it in well so it doesn't show.  There really are no cons to this product in my opinion and it has become a new staple.

 

http://www.urbandecay.com/vintage-de-slick-mattifying-powder/173,default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=4

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner

In general, I am not a big fan of sunless tanning products (including many bronzers).  I feel like they just can't quite get the color right.  And I've tried everything from over-the-counter, to professional spray tans, to Mystic tan.  Even if I don't end up looking like John Boehner, it seems to get in my pores causing tiny dark dots.  Like blackheads.  NOT the look I am going for!

While on a beach weekend recently, I noticed that a very pale friend of mine's legs were darker than mine.  Not that that is difficult to do but this chick is even fairer than I.  She told me she'd been using Jergens Natural Glow.  Not one to let past failures stand in my way, I went and bought some right away.  The first thing I noticed was that it didn't have the smell of many self tanners.  I used a Suave version that you could still smell after a shower.  It went on just like a regular moisturizer and didn't take very long to dry.  I woke up the next morning with my legs a shade slightly darker than death.  I used it for three days in a row and, as advertised, the color grew gradually darker.  After the 3rd day I didn't use it that night.  Not too much fading the next day but by the 2nd day, it seemed to be turning an orange-y hue as it faded.  However, using it again took care of this.  There was also no streaking or splotches even around my ankles and toes.  I used the fair to medium option since I don't want to stray too far from my natural skin tone.  I am just looking to make my legs match my arms.  The color does not look 100% like a natural tan but it's the closest I've come.

http://www.jergens.com/products/natural-glow/3-days-to-glow.aspx

Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream and Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector

It's that time of year again when we think about sunscreen protection even though we should think of it all year round!  I've been looking for one product I can put on in the morning to give me a little color, protect me from harmful uv rays and help keep oiliness at bay.  During my search I came across a new BB cream from Shiseido.  I have never used their products although I am aware of their great reputation and they are one of the oldest skincare companies.  As I was buying this, I was telling the sales clerk about my issues and she said she used the Urban Environment Protector because it was water resistant and helped control oil.  Unfortunately I had already made my purchase and decided to do ahead since I had read some good reviews.  It is a decent product and not exorbitantly priced.  It only comes in two colors (but I think a lot of products limit their selection during the "first release" phase).  The color was a little dark for me and it didn't spread very smoothly so I had to be careful to blend it into my neck so I didn't have "kabuki face."  It gave decent coverage and seemed to last but alas, it did not control my oil well enough.

I returned it and was looking at some other products when a saleslady offered me a sample of the Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector.  I bought something else and took both home.  This one comes in three colors and the medium was a nice match.  It spread a little better than the BB Cream but other than that I had the same problem.  I don't feel it had any better oil control than the other.  In the end, if I were to recommend one, I would say try the BB Cream.  Even though it was a little harder to apply I think it gave better coverage and a nicer finish.  And I would recommend trying it if you don't have oily skin.  Keep in mind that it is all about what you are looking for.  If you are using a BB Cream to replace moisturizer and primer, you have a lot more choices.  But, if you're like me and want one product to provide those things plus sunscreen and color that gives a matte finish, you have to look a little harder.  And I will!

http://www.shiseido.com/perfect-hydrating-bb-cream-spf-35/9990000000043,en_US,pd.html&cgid=makeup-face-foundation&&dwvar_9990000000043_color=00043_Medium

http://www.shiseido.com/urban-environment-tinted-uv-protector/9990000000045,en_US,pd.html&q=uv%20protector&&dwvar_9990000000045_color=00045_1

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