Pop Beauty Sweet Goodmorning Kiss Lip Exfoliator

Hello! Wow, it's been awhile, I know. I wanted to take a short break and a short break turned into a really long break to the point I was asking myself if I wanted to keep doing this. As it turns out, I do. As I was taking the photos for today's review, I fell right back into the process comfortably and I think stepping away was just what I needed. I was mostly stepping away from the internet, not so much from this blog specifically. Also, I haven't had the money to buy any new makeup or beauty products so that was definitely hindering me too. It will continue to hinder me seeing as I still don't have a job but that just means I'll have to improvise and work with what I have. Okay. That being said... Let's get back to business here.

I bought this Pop Beauty sugar scrub lip exfoliator "pen" because I really liked the idea of having the product in a tube that you could apply to your lips without the direct use of fingers. I reviewed one of Lush's lip exfoliators and while I do really like their little jars of sugary goodness, it does get a little messy so you have to use it over a sink or something.

So this product includes sugar, shea butter and vitamins and works by twisting the bottom to disperse a bit of product and then rubbing the applicator on your lips in a circular motion.

Redken Shine Brilliance Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist

Ok the first thing I want to say about this product (which I received in sample form from July's Birchbox) is that "brilliance" is misspelled. I googled this product to see if maybe Redken had purposely misspelled it for some strange reason but I couldn't find anything that said "Shine Brillance" so... Smooth move, Redken.

Moving on!

This mist is supposed to add shine to your hair while remaining "lightweight." I've tried this spray a couple of times now and my initial thought about it is that I really don't feel compelled to ever buy the full-sized product.

Suave Professionals Shampoo for Dry or Frizzy Hair

I was at the drug store the other day and I needed to pick up some new shampoo. I kept remembering that Suave commercial where the hair stylists are using "unknown" products and they're loving it and then they find out it's Suave and they're all surprised and their opinions are changed forever and blah blah blah. Plus, this ginormous bottle of shampoo (32 oz) was only three-something and it is a huge bottle, I have a hard time picking it up with one hand in the shower sometimes, haha.

I chose the one for dry or frizzy hair and I've been using it for several weeks now.

Milani "True Black" Eye Pencil

These days money has been tight and I'm rediscovering my drug store's cosmetic aisle in search of cheaper prices for my makeup staples, especially; the things I re-buy over and over... Such as, in this case, black eyeliner. Based on a recommendation from Tiffany of Will Work for Makeup, I picked up a Milani eye pencil to try out.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Makeup

For at least the past couple of years I've been going up and back between Makeup Forever liquid foundations and have been pretty happy with them. However, a few weeks ago, my skin was going so crazy I had to find and visit a dermatologist. It's at least worth noting here, because of the mere probability of it, I was surprised that the one I finally decided to go with was one that I really liked. I don't like doctors, usually, and I was surprised to learn just how much I liked my new dermatologist. Anyway, let me get to the point... She had me run down my current skin care routine including cleansers, moisturizers and makeup. Then, she basically told me to trash all that and gave me a new list of products to buy. "Get rid of the hope," she told me--throwing me a pun after I said I used Philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer--"you don't need it."

So, on her recommendation, I immediately made a trip to the drug store (a place I had been avoiding for years now) and bought a new kind of makeup (among some other things). She told me to pick up Revlon's ColorStay liquid makeup so I chose the shade that looked right (Golden Beige, in my case) and got a bit of a thrill from the price tag. I'd been spending $40 for the same amount of makeup that now cost me $13. A definite plus given my current financial state, which isn't good.

Tangle Teezer

After reading several very positive reviews on the Tangle Teezer hair brush, I knew I had to try it for myself so I ordered the purple one and have been using it for a couple of weeks now and just let me say to begin with: this baby works!

Milani Baked Blush in "Corallina"

I'm kind of a sucker for corals and when I was perusing the drugstore for new makeup, I found this blush by Milani. It's a bright, fun coral and it packs a lot of pigment with a little bit of shimmer. I used to avoid shimmer in blushes at all costs but I'm warming up to it as long as it's not a messy glitter bomb. 

July 2011 Birchbox

I received my second Birchbox today. This one was put together with the help of Cynthia Rowley. I'm not sure what she did besides design a sleeve to go over the box but it is a pretty sleeve. Once you slide it off, it looks like the other boxes. &Here's what's inside this month...

AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask

I bought this product because I a) wanted a sulfur mask and b) didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on the more expensive brands. I've been using this now on a semi-weekly basis for over a month or two.

It's different from other masks I've used in that it directs you to massage it into your skin for 2-3 minutes until the mask turns from a creamy beige to a light blue. To be honest, I get really impatient even though it's just a couple of minutes. Like George says on an episode of Seinfeld, "it's a tough minute. It's like waiting in the shower for the conditioner to work." So I usually would work it into my skin for about a minute instead. It has these little exfoliator particles (not many, though) that tinge the mask blue once you've kind of broken them open so to speak by rubbing it in. The directions say to leave it on for 10 minutes but I rarely time it and just rinse it off once it's gotten hard and dry

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion

I received this Kiehl's facial lotion in my June Birchbox and I've been using it as a nighttime moisturizer. It is formulated for normal to oily skin types.

Kiehl's says that it is a lightweight moisturizer that eliminates excess oil for a shine-free appearance. It deeply conditions skin and restores its moisture barrier.

Dermablend Professional Setting Powder

I've been using this setting powder for awhile now and am ready to review it... I used to use Makeup Forever's HD Setting Powder, which is a pretty popular powder but it always killed me to spend $30 on less than half an ounce of powder so I stopped buying it and stopped using a setting powder altogether. Then I found myself wanting it back so I did a little searching (very little searching) and found this powder by Dermablend. With this powder you get a full ounce for $22--so it's cheaper AND you get more product.

Essie Protein Base Coat

I have issues with my nails chipping and splitting, like I'm sure most people do, so I decided to try Essie's Protein Base Coat. I've been using it for many weeks now--not always consistently--but I do use it whenever I paint my nails.

The base coat itself is a translucent milky white and it goes on clear, adding just a tinge of brightness to your nails.

Hard Candy Visibly Wet Shockingly Glossy Lip Pencil

The Visibly Wet, Shockingly Glossy Lip Pencil by Hard Candy is quite a long name. Names aside, though, this is a pretty nifty lip pencil.

June 2011 Favorites

I've never done one of these monthly favorites posts but since I've been in a bit of a makeup rut lately, I've been grabbing the same products day after day. Here they are--my makeup basics & staples, so to speak.

Small Missha Haul and Store Review

Recently I did a small Missha haul--my first time at the Missha website. I had heard about their BB creams and wanted to try at least one of them and thought I'd write up a little review of my shopping experience.

First my haul:

- Travel size Vita BB Cream (7 vitamins to improve skin with continued use by calming redness)

- Speedy Solutions Anti-Trouble Patches (which I already did a quickie review of here.)

- Lucid Nail Care Shine Top Coat

- Nail Polish in "BE002"

- And as a first time customer, I got a full-sized Perfect Cover BB Cream as a free gift.

Missha Speedy Solutions Anti-Trouble Patches

While I was perusing the Missha site for BB creams awhile back, I found these cheap "anti-trouble" acne patches for 50 cents for a small sheet. You get ten little clear patches on one sheet. When I had received the patches in the mail, I had just had the breakout of a lifetime so I had several pimples differing in size to try them on. What luck! Haha.

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (The World's Best)

Today I'm going to review The World's Best Concealer! Haha, no, actually, it's Amazing Cosmetic's Amazing Concealer... But, it kind of is the best and it's the concealer I've used pretty religiously for a long time now.

Laura Geller Blush -N- Brighten in "Honey Dipped"

Now that I've had a chance to wear and swatch and play with my Laura Geller Blush -N- Brighten powder, I wanted to post about it. It was one of the items in my June Birchbox. I'd never used any Laura Geller makeup before, so it's always nice to get something totally new to try.

Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser

Let me first start by saying that when I see something at a good price, I don't tend to look a lot further. I was in the market for a new cleanser and this baby was $5.99. Once I got it, I realized it wasn't a cleanser in the traditional sense but more like a cleansing toner. I wanted something I could slather onto my Clarisonic and this wasn't going to do the trick (as it's a thin liquid). However, I decided I would give it a test drive anyway and put my Clarisonic away for the time being.

Bliss Lemon & Sage Supershine Shampoo

Today I have for you a quick & easy review of Bliss's Lemon & Sage Supershine Shampoo. I've been trying this shampoo out for several weeks now and I'm ready to share my findings.

Does it make my hair shinier? Yes and no... I've found that my hair does look shinier and well-nourished near the scalp but it doesn't do a ton for my dry & sometimes frizzy ends.

Sinful Colors in "Innocent" With OPI "Silver Shatter"

A friend of mine sent this polish my way and I finally got around to using it. The formula was a little gloopy going on (which is to be expected in this humidity, I suppose) but it evened out nicely and dried quickly. I often nick or smudge my manis before they completely dry but I never had any problem with this one.

My First Birchbox (June 2011)

I signed up for Birchbox what seems like ages ago (it was less than a month, though, obviously) and today I was thrilled to find my first box in the mail! I'm not going to do a photo post every time I get one but I did want to take pictures and post about my first box. Then of course I'll review the products too... Let me know if there's something you'd particularly like to hear about.

I came back into the house and announced to the boyfriend, "I got my first Birchbox!"

"What?"

Haha.

Without further ado... Let's look at what's inside... & For anyone who might not be familiar with this, a Birchbox is a monthly box of deluxe beauty samples delivered to your door.

New Jack Black Lip Balm Scents

For any Jack Black lip balm fans out there (or anyone looking to try a new lip balm), there are two new scents available as a two-pack. Black Tea & Blackberry is "subtly sweet" and Grapefruit & Ginger is "subtly citrus and fresh."

I think the grapefruit one sounds yummy--I usually love anything grapefruit-scented or flavored. So fresh and delicious! I'm thinking about grabbing these up when I do my next Sephora order.

These are available from Sephora as a two-pack for $10--quite a deal since one usually retails for $7.50.

I reviewed the Lemon & Chamomile lip balm here.

Anyone loving Jack Black products? Or interested in trying something out?

Today's Makeup (6/6/11)

It's been awhile since I did a LoTD so here's my makeup for today... I wasn't even going to get ready today but my boyfriend is forcing me out of the house. Perhaps that's a good thing... Don't mind my hair. It's a mess and I like it that way! Read: I'm not bothering to do it.

Today's Makeup

Face

Amazing Concealer

Pur Minerals Pressed Makeup

MAC "My Paradise" Cheek Powder

Eyes

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Yellow (#3) from the Pop Lid Neon Palette

17 "Seagreen Splash" Solo Eye Shadow

MAC "Retrospeck" eye shadow

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in "Zero"

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

Lips

 MAC "Hibiscus" lipstick

Now off to run a few errands in the heat...

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer

I waited a long time to review this. I gave it lots of different opportunities. The only reason I even *have* this guy to review is that I grabbed it on accident somehow when meaning to grab the primer (one of my favorite primers ever). Instead of taking it back or anything, I thought, "yes! I don't own a tinted moisturizer, I want to try one and why not start out with one of the most expensive?" And so my journey began....

NYX "Ocean Breeze" Glitter Cream Pallet

Today I want to show you this glitter pallet I picked up by NYX. I found this guy at Urban Outfitters and it looked so pretty, I had to have it even though I a) Have never used cream eyeshadows before and b) don't have a ton of occasions where I would wear glitter on my eyes like this.

My (Updated) Skin Care Routine

I posted my skin care routine back in February but since it has changed and I thought I'd post an update. If you see anything you want me to review or have any questions, let me know :)

Morning

Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser

Proactiv Solution Revitalizing Toner

Proactiv Solution Repairing Treament

Hope in a Jar Moisturizer

Night

Philosophy Release Me Eye Makeup Remover

Philosophy Purity Cleanser (Used w/My Clarisonic)

Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser

Proactiv Solution Revitalizing Toner

Proactiv Solution Repairing Treament

Proactiv Skin Lightening Lotion

Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

+ Occasional Clearasil Acne Treatment Cream for spot treatment

Masks

Every other night--or I should say I try every other night to alternate between two masks:

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

&

Proactiv's Sulfur Mask

Sephora by OPI "A-Ha Moment" with Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in "Shooting Star"

I did this manicure the other day when our power went out... In the dying light of the day. Haha. I hate white polish, I don't know why I ever bought white polish and I'm not entirely sure why I'm sharing this with you now but here it is. I did two coats of A-ha Moment and two coats of Shooting Star on top.

Arcona's Gentle PM Solution Repair Serum

I used this serum awhile ago nightly for about a month or so. I've said it before but it's important to note with these skin care products that I have problem skin. I should say problem skin. A little emphasis. My skin loves to misbehave and I'm prone to breakouts and unevenness. That being said, lets move onto my review.

You use this nightly after washing your face. The back specifically instructs you to apply it upward in a circular motion so I made sure to follow directions :) The product boasts that it resurfaces skin, stimulates rapid cell renewal, exfoliates deeply, strengthens your skin's immune system and combats free radical damage. It says it will refine pores, smooth skin and create a healthy glow.

Jesse's Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eyeshadow in "Esmeralda"

I picked up this mineralized shadow at Rite Aid the other day. The name "Esmeralda" doesn't really seem to fit for me but it's still a pretty, shimmery taupe color that wore well all day for me with an eyeshadow primer.

MAC Surf Baby Haul & Comparison Swatches

I wanted to get these swatches online yesterday but after hitting several MAC counters (I was working on a CP for someone) and all the driving around, I was exhausted... But now here they are. I swatched my new items with similar shades in my collection.

I bought My Paradise cheek powder, Hibiscus lipstick, Bust Out lipstick and two eyeshadows in Sun Blonde and Saffron.

100 Things (26-30)

my favorite actor.

i adore his accent.

My MAC Shadow Collection (Because I Recently Did Some Depotting)

I had a few MAC shadows to depot so I decided to try the stove method the other night. In the past, I've used wire cutters to crack open the little plastic part to get out the metal pan. Not a recommended method. I've shattered parts of my shadows that way. I'm going to include the video I used as a guide at the end of this post in case any of you aren't familiar with the stove method of depotting shadows. It's so much easier and safer for your shadows. Me, the biggest klutz in the world, didn't screw up at -any- point. Amazing!

This post is mostly a picture post to show off my MAC shadows--my favorite kind of makeup to collect--not a stove method tutorial. If you have any questions or anything, throw me a comment :)

I pop out the little plastic parts with a knife.

China Glaze "Life Preserver" Nail Lacquer

This is one of the gorgeous China Glaze polishes from their totally amazing Anchors Away collection. I'm about to do a little Ulta hauling and I"m seriously considering buying up the rest of the collection that I don't have. I ADORE this collection! 

Borghese "Mediterraneo Sea" Nail Lacquer

First of all I want to say how much I love how this polish LOOKS.

It's a beautiful darker teal-y blue with large multi-colored glitter.

It's a little matte-ish when it goes on so I think this gorgeous polish would benefit greatly from a shiny top coat but I was being lazy and skipped it. I'll pretend I was trying to give you guys the full effect of the actual polish :)

E.L.F. Translucent Matifying Powder

Along with some other E.L.F. products, I bought this super cheap Translucent Matifying Powder ($3) to try out. I've been using it for a few weeks or so now and I think I have a strong enough opinion on it to tell you guys about it.

Deal-O-Rama: E.L.F. Oil Blotting Sheets

I usually pass up E.L.F. stuff out of pure makeup snobbery but awhile ago I decided to do a little mini E.L.F. haul and bought a few things to try out. One of those things were the super cheap $1 blotting sheets (for 50 sheets).

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in "Tree Hugger"

I love the name of this polish :) And I love green polishes.

Tree Hugger is a great springy green to wear as the weather starts to warm up.

Soap.com/Beauty Bar Experience Review (&A Haul)

I had bought a $40 gift certificate from HauteLook for $20 for Beautybar.com. I needed a new Clarisonic brush head and this seemed like a good way to get an (almost) free one. Plus, I wanted to see what other goodies I could find on the site. I'd never heard of Beauty Bar before so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I didn't have any issues along the way so I can't speak to the customer service but I did get a card with my package that seemed like they give a crap. It mentioned how you have a whole year to return your items if they don't work out for you and how they'll come pick it up for you if you call and ask--free of charge. Pretty good terms if you ask me.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I bought these Facial Radiance pads by First Aid Beauty shortly after they hit Sephora's website. I needed a new toner and this seemed as good as anything. Plus, I liked the convenience of the pads. Also, I was looking for something with glycolic acid and this guy has it.

The back says: "... just enough lactic and glycolic acids to make it safe for daily use. Cucumber and Indian gooseberry tone the skin while lemon peel and licorice root leave the skin bright and glowing. ... Free of parabens, harsh chemicals and colorants."

Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye Contour Cream

I want to tell you about an eye cream by Darphin today. First I want to explain what I'm looking for in an eye cream because I think that's important to note. I don't really have dark circle problems but I do have chronically tired looking eyes. I am looking for an eye cream that ideally tightens the skin under my eyes and helps reduce the lines.

And enter Darphin.

EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit

Now, I know a lot of people have reviewed and raved about EOS lip balm but seeing as I've been trying out lip balms to find something that does all of what I'm looking for, I want to include EOS in my reviews!

When I finally picked up one of these little spheres of balm, I chose the Summer Fruit flavor. According to the website, there are five flavors and Honeysuckle Honeydew sounds the best to me but unfortunately wasn't an option.

I've said it before but I like to have a lip balm with me when I'm going to be outside a lot because of the wind and things. I used this lip balm for a weekend of outdoor activities  to initially test it out and was very happy with the formula and results.

MAC Sheen Supreme Giveaway: Winner!

(&I apologize for the delay)

The winner for the MAC Sheen Supreme Lipsticks is....

juliesimpson73!

if you're reading this, Julie, please email me with your info at

jen@echoside.net

Paul Dorf Brush-Out Brush Cleaner

I'm lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes--like a lot of people are--but I'm probably especially bad. And especially with my eyeshadow brushes. I have a million of them and there's never more than maybe one clean at a time.

Ouidad Playcurl Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

I've been using Ouidad's Playcurl Shampoo & Conditioner for a month and a half or so.'

It offers a "mild cleansing formula created to boost the volume of fine, thin curls. [Blended with] green tea extract, aloe and wheat protein with volumizing polymers for a gentle shampoo that livens limp curls and encourages the curl formation."

100 Things (21-25)

Zoya "Reva" and "Apple" Nail Lacquers

There have been a few things going on in my life and I've neglected this blog and I've neglected my nails and both of which I'm sorry for!

Today I did a really quick manicure with Zoya's Sumshine polishes in "Apple" with "Reva" on my ring fingers.

Pop Beauty Lid Neon Palette

This palette by Pop Beauty is small. It comes with six bright, fun eyeshadow colors. I was drawn in by the fun palette of colors.