New Product Alert! Bare Escentuals Deluxe Mineral Foundation

I've been using Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation almost exclusively since I first discovered it several years ago.  It's one of the very few products that I actually use up and need to refill.  I keep 2 shades on hand, one for most of the year, and one for when I go fake tanning in the summer (spray-on, not the cancer kind).  When I heard about their new Matte Foundation, I knew that would be next on my shopping list.  Well, I didn't get a chance to buy it before I heard that they have a Deluxe Foundation in Vanity Jar available for pre-order.

From what I can tell, the formula of the foundation hasn't changed, what makes it Deluxe is that it's twice the size of a normal jar (.6oz vs. .3oz), and of course it's in a fancy jar.  It's available for pre-order at QVC.com for $42.72, with a regular price of $50.00.  So even with the intro price, add in shipping and you're basically paying the same price/oz as the "non-deluxe" foundation.  But with this one you get a shiny lid.  I think it's just a matter of personal preference.  When I need a refill, maybe I'll pick it up, but more likely will go for the Matte.

Wish List: Clarisonic

By now most people have heard of (and many use) Sonicare toothbrushes.  A few years ago, the guy who invented that sonic technology that cleans our teeth so well, came out with a brush that cleans your skin.  The same theory that applies to the toothbrush, applies to the Clarisonic brush.  In 60 seconds, the brush moves a million (or so) times to get your face squeaky clean.  There are different brush heads depending on the sensitivity of your skin, and they now even have brush heads for the body. 

So why have I been lusting after a product that costs between $195-$225 for something I can do with my own two hands?  Well, evidence shows that it cleans much better than manual cleansing:

Clarisonic claims that using this brush will improve skin tone, wrinkles, pore appreance, etc.  And from all the reviews I've read on this, I believe it really works.  What sells me most is that using the brush preps your skin to better absorb all the serums, eye creams, moisturizers, etc. that I spend so much money on already.  You wouldn't spend $200 to get your hair colored and then use dollar store shampoo to wash it, right?  That's how I justify my need for the Clarisonic.  Plus, it comes in pink!

Review: Olay In-Shower Body Lotion

A few years ago, Olay came out with their In-Shower Body Lotion, and I was totally into it.  Since it's an uncontrollable urge for me to try out all new products, I started using it instead of body lotion.  But somewhere along the line, I stopped using it and went back to regular lotion.  Recently, I realized I have a bottle in my shower (that gives you an idea of how many products are piled in there), and started using it again.  While I'm not going to give up my many bottles of lotion anytime soon, there are situations when using the in-shower lotion is more convenient than regular lotion.

We all know that lotion is best applied right out of the shower, to damp skin.  On cold mornings, the first thing I want to do right out of the shower is dry off and throw on a robe.  Putting on lotion in the shower, eliminates the need to stand freezing in the bathroom to get properly moisturized.  Even though putting lotion on in or out of the shower takes the same amount of time, you can multi-task in the shower if you're waiting for a deep conditioner to process.  Finally, the best case to use the in-shower lotion is if you have to get dressed immediately after showering (usually if you have guests staying with you, or are someone else's guest).  The worst thing ever is to try to dry off, put on lotion, and then put jeans on in a hurry - it's nearly impossible.  Being able to put on your lotion, rinse it off, and then dry off makes dressing in a hurry a breeze.  Plus, most importantly, this stuff actually works.  And it smells great, fresh and clean.  The only reason I don't use it more is because I'm so used to my shower routine, that I forget to put it on.  Fortunately, it's not like shampoo; lotion can now be used in or out of the shower.

Bottom Line

Product: Olay In-Shower Body Lotion

Website: http://www.olay.com/ 

Retail Price: $4.99

Category: Lotion

Recommendation: Great in addition to your regular lotion

Retail Therapy: QVC

Ok, hear me out.  Like most people in my age bracket, I assumed that QVC, or any home shopping channel, was for old people and shut-ins.  You know, people who buy those creepy dolls, and maybe some sparkly sweatshirts.  My experience with QVC was limited to the clips shown on The Soup with Joel McHale.  Until last summer when I found myself with a lot of extra free time during the day, and not much on my Tivo.  Somehow I came across a beauty product show and I was hooked.

I was stunned at the high-end brands that are being sold there - Philosophy, Ojon, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, and the list goes on.  I was even more surprised at the great deals being offered.  The great thing about QVC is that you can super-size some of the most popular products, and they don't cost much more than the standard sizes offered at the high-end retailers.

If you're a fan of Bare Escentuals, Philosophy, Ojon, Kate Somerville, and Laura Geller, it pays to keep your eye on the website, or sign up for Beauty notifications.  A lot of times these brand will launch products on QVC, meaning you can only buy it there for a certain period of time, and usually you can get them at introductory prices, cheaper than retail.  Another plus is that a lot of QVC shoppers provide reviews, so you can get unbiased opinions before you buy.  Finally, QVC accepts returns on ANYTHING within 30 days.  If a product doesn't work for you, no problem.  Even if you used half the tube, you'll get a full refund.

You can't get a deal on every product though.  Sometimes there's no difference in retail price, and it's almost unheard of to get free shipping.  In those instances, it makes more sense to shop at Sephora and get your free shipping, free samples, and beauty bank points, for those of us who are Sephora Beauty Insiders (if you haven't signed up yet, it's free.  Do it.)  

Set aside your preconceptions and go over to QVC.com.  Peruse the Beauty shelves, and do a little comparison shopping.  I can almost guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Some of my favorites:
Philosophy Purity Made Simple, 32oz - $42.50
Bare Escentuals Deluxe Mineral Veil, 1.04oz - $30.00

Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I don't use a primer every day, but when I'm doing "full" makeup, or want to feel especially secure, I use a foundation primer.  Smashbox Photo Finish is the many-times-over award winner that is the gold standard of primers.  I use the original clear formula.  Smashbox also makes a version with SPF and color correcting formulas.  Next time I'll go for the one with SPF, since you can never really be too protected.

One pump of the primer covers the entire face, and leaves it velvety-smooth.  The primer basically melts into skin and doesn't feel thick or greasy.  It dries almost instantly, and leaves your skin as the perfect canvas for foundation - or to go without makeup, but who does that?  It does have some vitamins and extra beneficial ingredients to help skin, but that's what serums are for.  What Smashbox Photo Finish does best is it preps skin to be a great base for what comes next.

Bottom Line

Product: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Website: http://www.smashbox.com/ 

Retail Price: $36.00

Category: Primer

Recommendation: Award-Winning with good reason

Review: Essie Ballet Slippers

I have been wearing pale pink nail polish almost exclusively for as long as I can remember.  Ever now and then I'll mix it up a bit and throw in something trendy, but there are major advantages to wearing the almost-white hue.  One, with place shades, it's not so obvious when the polish starts to chip.  Since I do a lot of typing, my index and middle fingers tend to chip first (maybe I'm not doing it right).  Two, my nails stain easily.  If I wear dark polish for even a week, my nails will be yellow until they grow out.  And yes, I wear a base coat.

I've gone through a few brands and a few shades of the paleness, but I think I've found the perfect one - Essie Ballet Slippers.  I know this isn't a new product to most, but I like it so much, that I had purchased a bottle, and then a few weeks later went to get a mani, and bought it again.  I didn't know I was buying a dupe of the same shade - I thought I had Mademoiselle at home.  But with the amount I go through, having a backup is a good thing.  Two coats gets the perfect opacity - not 100%, but not light enough to see any yellowing or imperfections.  The level of chipping depends on the polish, application, but most importantly, the condition of the nails.  Since mine vary, I can attest that if your nails are in good shape (and not used as tools) this will go without chipping for days.

Bottom Line

Product: Essie Ballet Slippers

Website: http://www.essie.com/products/ 

Retail Price: $8.00

Category: Nail Polish

Recommendation: The perfect pale pink

Fill Your Prescriptives Now!

If you're a fan of the Makeup/Skin Care line that is Prescriptives, stock up now.  Although not mentioned yet on their website, Prescriptitves is shutting its doors:

Estée Lauder Companies announced today that it would close the global wholesale distribution of its Prescriptives brand by January 31, 2010. The brand plans to continue to sell online for United States shipping at www.prescriptives.com to help service consumers for replenishment of key products, while inventory lasts. Prescriptives products are currently sold in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

 

I never really got into this line, but I feel like it's been around forever.  I guess it's not selling like it used to.  I definitely don't think of it as a hip, modern line, but I do remember it being known as the go-to for "customized" foundation.  On the one hand, I'm tempted to buy and try before I can't get my hands on it anymore.  On the other, why get addicted to something I won't be able to get my hands on again.

I wonder if Prescriptives will be missed.

And The Award Goes To...

January Jones definitely has one of my favorite looks of the night.  Loving the dress, and the hair and makeup doesn't distract or detract.  Wish I could get a close-up though.

Mila Kunis has my favorite makeup of the night.  Her dress might not appeal to all, but I'm loving the fall colors, the mauve-y smoky eye, and overall freshness of her look.

                                                    

                           
It looks like Gennifer cut her hair short again.  This look also might not appeal to the masses, but her skin is glowy and flawless.  Also loving the color of her dress and the necklace.

I was kind of surprised at how many hot messes there were on the carpet, from a hair and makeup standpoint.  A few of the ladies had on some great dresses, that were ruined by the hair (I'm talking to you Gossip Girls).  There were a couple that really stood out to me:

 

Ok, Hayden Panettiere is like 20 years olf or something, and this look ages her about 15 years.  I can see she's going for classic Hollywood Glamour, but it's too severe.

Why would Kim Kardashian think this is a good look?  She's channeling J-Lo circa 2001.  The over-highlighted white-out eyeshadow with spider fake lashes is just scary.  Her hair is too severe, and she just looks dated.

                              
Finally, Padma proves that even models can make themselves look like crap if they put enough effort into it.

2009 Emmy Awards - Most Beautiful Actress on the Red Carpet

So we all know awards shows are all about the fashion.  But hair and makeup are just as important as Spanx and jewelry in order to make it the perfect look.  The best place to see everyone on the red carpet is to watch E!.  But seriously, it just gets more comical each year, and not in a good way.  Now I love me some Real Housewives on Bravo, but why is NeNe helping out with commentary?  I don't know if they could have found someone less qualified.  She'd be my go-to to back me up in a fight, but not so much for fashion and beauty advice.  Bring back Kathy - best red carpet commentator ever!  I'm most looking forward to seeing the women from Mad Men.  Once photos from the carpet are available, I'll post my favorites.

Seriously.  I'm thinking I should just watch this on mute.  Who approved this NeNe move?  Even Jay Manuel can't stand her and he works with Tyra.  She said Debra Messing's gown looks like something she'd wear to the grocery store, and that everyone looks boring.  Umm, she's wearing a cap-sleeve black cocktail dress.  Bam!

Review: Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Lip Polish Duo Featuring Destiny & Amber

Since this blog is called Lip Gloss Rehab, I clearly have an obsession with lip gloss.  As most girls can attest, it's difficult to find that perfect combination of color, texture, and staying power.  Throw lip-plumping abilities into the mix and it's near impossible to find a good gloss.  My love for Bare Escentuals Buxom lip glosses - excuse me, lip polishes, began with a full-size tube of Amber - the elusive, perfect shade of shimmering peach, and coincidentally the name of my best friend.  Since these are intended to be plumping lip glosses, you get a fabulous little tingle when applying, not a slow burn of raging inferno that can come along with other plumping glosses.  How well the plumping actually works is debatable.  I personally think that a real difference in lip volume only comes with injectables, but the combination of the tingle and shimmer does make for a somewhat fuller look and feel.

The packaging and application also contributes to what makes up a good gloss.  The full size tube is somewhat large, and doesn't make for subtle application or compact carrying.  However, Bare Escentuals also sells some of their glosses in mini sizes (usually in packs of 2 or 4).  The minis solve the large-tube issue, and still maintain the other positives.  The top of the caps are silver, and shiny enough to be used as a mirror when applying.  The tube itself is clear so you can see how much gloss is left.  And the applicator is my favorite kind - a wand with sponge tip.  When I saw the Amber & Destiny 2-pack, I had to pick it up.  First, because I was out of Amber, and I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually finished an entire tube of gloss and gone back for seconds.  And second, because I wanted the opportunity to try out another color.

The second color in this duo is Destiny, is described as "peach nectar", which doesn't tell me much about the color.  It's a slightly more intense, brighter color than Amber, but still very wearable.  Amber is great for those days when you're going for a more natural look, or are wearing a smoky eye.  It's versatile and is my go-to everyday color.  Destiny is almost equally wearable, and I would wear it with a smoky eye when going out at night.  I often interchange the two during the day, surprising since I don't think of myself as a peach-lip kind of girl. 

Bottom Line

Product: Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Lip Polish Duo Featuring Destiny & Amber

Website: www.bareescentuals.com

Retail Price: $18

Category: Lip Gloss

Recommendation: You can't go wrong with these

Girls and Their Toys! The Ped Egg

So I think everyone generally accepts that the things you see on infomercials aren't going to work.  However, I'd heard some whispers that the Ped Egg might actually work.  So when I cam across it at BJs, I decided to pick it up.  It doesn't take much for me - I'm weak, I admit it.

They say "The original PedEgg® is the revolutionary foot file that you’ve seen nationally advertised on TV. It’s the newest and fastest way to make your feet feel smooth and healthy with NO MESS! The secret is PedEgg®’s precision micro-files that gently remove calluses and dead skin to give your feet the incredible baby soft look and feel that everybody loves."  I say, this cheese-grater in the shape of an egg actually works.

Getting it out of the package was one of the hardest parts.  Otherwise, it's a snap (literally) to put together.  You just rub it lightly back and forth over the dry or calloused areas and the shavings get trapped in the bottom of the egg.  It can be a little difficult to twist the cheese-grater top off of the egg to toss the disgustingness that trapped inside, but you definitely need to toss the shavings frequently, otherwise they can sneak their way out of the cheese-grater holes when you're doing the filing.  Also, be careful not to overdo it, which can be tempting.  The callouses on the bottom of your feet are there for a reason, and you don't want to leave them completely raw.

Now, I do have to say that I don't get pedicures as often as I should, in order to save money.  Plus, I never have them use the razor on my feet because I think it's gross and unsanitary.  That may mean I have more dry/calloused areas on my feet than others, so obviously that would make my results seem more dramatic.  I don't care, I think it's worth the $10 bucks I spent.

Bottom Line

Product: Ped Egg

Website: www.getpedegg.com 

Retail Price: $10

Category: Toys, Pedicure

Recommendation: Not a bad investment to keep your feet looking fresh

Battle! Kate Somerville vs. Mario Badescu

It's the battle of the blemish potions.  I discovered Mario Badescu's Drying Potion a couple of years ago, and it really was slightly life-changing (previously reviewed).  I suppose it's not surprising that it's been copied by other skin-care lines.  Well, I recently needed a refill of what I call my Magic Potion.  I had a few things to order at Sephora, and I noticed that one of my new fave lines, Kate Somerville has come out with EradiKate Acne Treatment which looks and sounds exactly like my Magic Potion.  I decided to give it a try.

And I tried.  I really did.  But it just didn't work for me like my Magic Potion from Mario Badescu.  I was honestly disappointed, especially since the Kate Somerville is more expensive.  To give you an idea of how unimpressed I was, this is the only thing I have ever bothered to return to Sephora.

Bottom Line

             

Product: Mario Badescu Drying Potion

Website: www.mariobadescu.com

Retail Price: $17.00

Category: Skin Care, Acne

Recommendation: Buy gallons

Product: Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

Website: http://www.katesomerville.com/

Retail Price: $22.00

Category: Skin Care, Acne

Recommendation: Pass on this dupe

The Blog is Back!

So it's been a couple of years, but I've decided to resurrect the blog.  I've been sharing my opinions, tips and tricks with friends and family, and it's just as easy to write it all down.  I figure that as my product purchases have increased, so has my expertise.  I do have to put in the disclaimer that what works for me might not work as well for someone else, and vice-versa.  Hair and skin products are especially tricky, but all I can do is share my personal experiences.