Entries Tagged 'Critique: Beauty' ↓

Critique: Looking Good!

My former college roomie, Megan, over at Gasp*Shock, recently composed a list of her current beauty faves, thereby inspiring me to do the same.

Here they are:

elnett Critique: Looking Good!

L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray – I had a friend bring this back from Paris in high school, and have never found anything comparable.  Since then,  I’ve been using Sebastian’s Shaper (a poor substitute)…but now Target has come to the rescue!

smashbox Critique: Looking Good!

Smashbox Photo Finish Bronzing Primer – I’ve used the original and oil-free versions of this, but so far this summer, I’ve been hooked on it.  It may be a mental thing, but I think this does an excellent job of complementing my (faux) tan, and not making me look chalky or orange.

lm Critique: Looking Good!

Laura Mercier Oil Free Liquid Foundation – This truly has the greatest consistency of anything I’ve tried – super sheer and freckle-friendly, especially when applied with a damp sponge, and it melds with my skin, totally blending in with it.

ws Critique: Looking Good!

Crest White Strips Premium – White teeth make SUCH a difference in a person’s appearance.  After my first time using these bad boys, I was greeted with immediate compliments on my teeth and smile, which were always just on the big/horsey side to me (when she was in the olympics, I got WAY too many (non)comparisons to Nancy Kerrigan…joy.).  When I looked ino having my teeth zoom whitened before the wedding, my dentist actually told me to use Whitestrips for a little boost, but that professional whitening wouldn’t do anyhing further.

sila Critique: Looking Good!

Stila Lip Glaze – I adore the Berry shade, as it’s sheer, and takes away from some of the natural pinkness in my lips; it’s also not too sticky.

I also have a few longtime faves:

  • The Shu Uemura lash curler
  • Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Trio in Shimmering Sands – the first makeup product I ever bought, and I still use it!
  • Bare Minerals Mineral Veil – nice for keeping me un-shiny and still dewy all day
  • MAC Shimma Paint creme eyeshadow
  • Covergirl mascara – I used to use Fantastic Lash and have lately switched between Lash Blast and Eyelights Exact; I’ve tried DiorFlash and Lancome Definicils, and always end up preferring good old CG
  • Bumble and Bumble’s Volumizing spray – the. best.
  • My perfume – either Micheal Kors or Burberry London (I wore YSL’s Cinema for the wedding, so I break that ou occassionally as well)

Lately, I’m in search of new:

  • Deep conditioner – I currently have Ojon’s Restorative Treatment and do not love it – too greasy…
  • Dry shampoo – I’ve used B & B’s brunette hair powder for years, but they’ve reformulated to a spray, which is just gross…Oscar Blandi’s is supposed to be superb – I’m planning to pick it up next time I pop into Sephora
  • Beach/Salt spray – I’m getting toward the end of my last bottle of the discountinued (and fabulous) John Frieda Beach Blonde spray, which perfectly blended oil, salt, and perfectly summery scent…B & B’s Sea Spray is no comparison…

Do you have any beauty standards to share?

Critique: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

So, my skin is borderline oily and because of this, every makeup person whom I’ve asked for advice has tried to give me some kind of terrible mattifying power foundation. During my last MAC experience, I finally spoke up and specifically requested their makeup primer with silicone, followed by foundation applied with a damp sponge for light coverage, followed by a light dusting of mineral power (both also MAC). This combination has given me my desired level of day-long coverage, shine combatant, and also a healthy glow; HOWEVER – until this point, NOTHING has been able to do the same for my eyelids…after a day in the office, I inevitably end up with severe eyeshadow creasing…

I know that most girls LOVE Sephora, but I finally had a positivesales person experience just this past weekend. One of the lovelygirls hooked me up with Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion, and after three days of use, I am IN LOVE with it! It not only eliminates the creasing, but the shadow is brighter, and more of it lasts the entire day.

potion.thumbnail Critique: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I’ve just applied for, and I’m pretty sure also got, a second job (to help with the wedding $ saving that I have been slacking with), waitressing at Applebee’s, so I’ll have to see how my “Potion” stands up to a day at my “real” work followed by a night also spent working…Updates to follow, I’m sure…!