Anti-Aging for my lips? Yep, with Loreal Anti-Aging Serum Lippie

As I am closer to 50 than I am to 40, I am always on the hunt for that product to will stop or at least slow the signs of aging. Facial serums, moisturizers, eye creams, I have tried many of them. However, I have never tried any anti-aging products for my lips. On one of my many recent trips to my local Walgreens, I spotted some lippies marked for clearance. I was looking at them just because I have quickly became a lippie addict also. When I lifted the sales label, I saw that these were the Loreal Anti-Aging Serum Lipsticks

Up until now I had never really bought any of Loreal cosmetics, so I figured that I would give this a try. It's supposed to include glycerin, collagen, and other anti-aging ingredients. It's supposed improve definition, fill surface lines and create fuller looking lips. Well I don't need fuller lips but the science behind this product is just what I am looking for. Upon first application, I can say that it is very creamy, and is not drying. The Loreal Anti-Aging Serum lipstick line comes in 16 shades. I will wear it for the next few days to see if I see any change in my almost 47 y/o lips. LOL!  I am glad to see that there are many positive reviews already posted about this line. 

Here is Compelling Coral.

If things work out to my liking I will need to go back and get a few more.  Have any of you tried this product yet? 

STATS: I found this at Walgreens marked down to $5.49, its regular price is $10.49.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Review: Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara


I am such a sucker for new drugstore mascaras. And Maybelline has been my longtime favorite brand. I have tried and like everything from Full & Soft, Great Lash, Lash Discovery, Illegal Length, Lash Stiletto, and fell in love with the Falsies line.  So needless to say when I recently saw a new Maybelline mascara at my local Walgreens, I jumped at the opportunity to try it.  I had used the Volum' Express mascara line for years. Their newest edition is Volum' Express - The Mega Plush Mascara.   The newest mascara trends have been fibers for lengthening. However, this touts a Gel-Mousse formula, that promises massive, supple voluminous lashes.  It also promises volume without the brittle feel that most mascaras leave.  Something else different about this product is the brush handle.  They call it a "Flexor-Brush", and flex is exactly what it can do. You can pretty much flex the brush head to a 90 degree angle. This is good to help get to those hard to reach lashes.  However, this is a large, fat brush head, so getting the lower lashes without getting it on your skin can be difficult.  Next time, I will use the spoon method to avoid that problem. (hold a plastic teaspoon between your lash and lash line to prevent getting the mascara on your skin).

Mega Plush is a volumizing mascara and so it does not promise lengthening but I did get some lengthening.  I can agree with another of their promises. My lashes don't have that thick, hard, waxy feel that most mascaras leave.  They don't feel bare but they do feel a lot softer than with most.  As I said, early, I found this at Walgreens and the price was $7.99; pretty much in line with most of the Maybelline mascaras.  It comes in the standard black, very black, and brownish black.  It also comes in a waterproof formula.  I am sure it can be found where every Maybelline products are carried.


Here is my first application of Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara.  Also, a quick video showing the brush head.  Maybelline has once again given me a winner. Once I get a handle on handling the brush head for my lower lashes, we will have another great option.  This is only 2 coats.


Have you tried the latest Maybelline mascara, Mega Plush? If so, what were your thoughts?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

***NEW*** FingerPaints Summer in the City 2012 & Swatches


Just in time for your Memorial Day pedicure, Sally Beauty introduces the new FingerPaints Summer in the City collection for summer 2012. The collection features 6 hot new shades that will be sure to wow this season!

Show off your bare feet with:
  • Beach Bound (Purple)
  • Flip Flop (Fuchsia)
  • Late Night Rendezvous (Blue Shimmer)
  • Movie in the Park (Purple Shimmer)
  • Sexy Sundress (Yellow)
  • To-teally Hot (Teal)

 
FingerPaints are sold separately for $4.99 (They're on sale for $3.99 for the month of May, 2012) and are available exclusively at SallyBeauty.com.

I have already purchased 3 of the 6 from this collection.  So here are some nail wheel and bottle swatches:


Flip Flop Fuchsia



Late Night Rendezvous 

Sexy Sundress
I had to include a label shot of Sexy Sundress because the description states that this is a yellow. However, I must disagree.  This is definitely a lime green.  

FingerPaints has long since been one of my favorite polish lines. If you haven't tried FingerPaints, you really are missing out--great formula, great colors, affordable price, and easily found at your local Sally Beauty.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Salon Perfect 2012 Spring Collection Swatches Pt. 2

Here is part 2 of the Salon Perfect collection.  If you missed part 1, it can be seen here, Salon Perfect Pt 1.

Where as part 1 were more bright colors, part 2 are more pastels. Again, this collection is made up of 14 polishes. There are a couple shimmers, but most are cremes.
The second half consists of:
  • Perfectly Peach – Delicate peach
  • Lemon Zing – Sunny yellow
  • Kiwi Lime – Vibrant green
  • Blue Mint – Cheerful mint
  • Berry Blue – Classic periwinkle
  • Purple Sorbet – Dark lilac
  • Lavender Icing – Soft lilac


Review:
As for the formulation of each polish it was as follows: 
  • Perfectly Peach – opaque cream, but very streaky
  • Lemon Zing – cream finish, but streaky
  • Kiwi Lime – very sheer so 3 coats would be necessary
  • Blue Mint – streaky, a blue mint green
  • Berry Blue – very sheer
  • Purple Sorbet – sheer
  • Lavender Icing – OMG! This is a one-coater.
So again, I suggest that you give this collection a look. The colors are great. The price is easy, but the availability will be limited.

The collection will be available in approximately 1,700 Walmart locations nationwide during the month of May for $2.98.  So if you get the chance to try the new Salon Perfect Spring/Summer Collection act fast. They are only scheduled to be in a few Walmarts for the month of May.



Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These sample products were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company. 

Salon Perfect 2012 Spring Collection Swatches Pt. 1

Back in April, it was announced that the brow people, Salon Perfect, would be releasing a limited edition Spring/Summer Collection of nail polish to be sold in Walmart during the month of May, 2012.  I was fortunate enough to get the chance to sample the line.  The collection is made up of 14 polishes. There are a couple shimmers, but most are cremes. 
The first half consists of:
  • Spicy Tomato – Juicy red
  • Tangy Tangerine – Tart orange
  • Sour Apples – True blue-green
  • Blue Raspberry – Vivid azure
  • Plum Sorbet – Magenta with purple shimmer
  • Berry Pink – Bold flamingo pink
  • Bubblegum – Honeysuckle pink


  • Review:
    When I first heard of this line, I had no expectations. For me, Salon Perfect were the Lash people and that's all. So when I received the collection for review, I was pleasantly surprised. Although the colors are not out of the ordinary, the collection covers the gamut of colors needed for both Spring and Summer trends.


    After the colors, the next thing I looked at was the brush, I normally don't like short handles, but this brush head was easy to work with.  I was pretty much able to polish with little or no clean up due to the "workability" of the brush.


    As for the formulation of each polish it was as follows: 
    • Spicy Tomato – a red-orange jelly finish
    • Tangy Tangerine - an orange-coral, jelly finish
    • Sour Apples - more green than swatched, streaky, opaque cream
    • Blue Raspberry - dusty teal opaque cream
    • Plum Sorbet - purple with pink shimmer
    • Berry Pink - hot pink with pink shimmer (very faint shimmer)
    • Bubblegum - light pink with shear pink shimmer
    I think that this collection is great for someone starting a polish collection or someone wanting to step outside their comfort zone and try different polish colors.  Based on these swatches, in the future, I will stop and give Salon Perfect a serious look next time I see them in the stores.

    The collection will be available in approximately 1,700 Walmart locations nationwide during the month of May for $2.98.  So if you get the chance to try the new Salon Perfect Spring/Summer Collection act fast. They are only scheduled to be in a few Walmarts for the month of May.
    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.






    * These sample products were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company. 

    1st Klout Perk Box...Simple Skin Care

    I received my first Klout Perk Box a few weeks ago. It contained products from Simple Skin Care; their Cleansing Facial Wipes and their Replenishing Rich Moisturizer.  I had been wanting to try the Simple Skin Care products ever since I first heard about the product line during one of Shirley Beniang's You Tube skin care videos.  The line had been touted as the #1 Skin Care Line in the United Kingdom.  Just so happens that the product line has recently crossed the pond and is now available in the United States.  I have seen the line in Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS and local grocery stores. So you should have no trouble finding the product line.  
    Anyway on to the products.  I have the bad habit of sometimes not removing my makeup before bed and recently I had tried another brand's facial wipes to remove my makeup.  That brand left my skin with a residual feel that I did not like, so it is understandable that I would be apprehensive to try any other brand.  But I am so happy to report that Simple Skin Care Cleansing Facial Wipes removed all my makeup including my waterproof eye makeup and left no residual feel. They didn't sting my eyes or have that alcohol feel. These wipes will now be part of my regimen.

    After such success with the facial wipes I was anxious to try the Replenishing Rich Moisturizer. Now, I have never had sensitive skin, but as I am crossing that mid-40s mile-marker, I am seeing a change in my skin. My once oily skin is now more combination (part oily, part dry).  So the products that I had been using for years, need to be reconsidered.  Living in Florida, I have never liked a thick or heavy facial moisturizer, especially during the 10 warm months of the year.  The Replenishing Rich Moisturizer is a light yet effective moisturizer. It absorbs quickly without leaving an oily feel. As these products are targeted towards those with sensitive skin, there are no heavy scents; which is greatly appreciated.  There are a few other products in this line that I plan to try, such as their eye cream, facial wash, and night cream.  
    As I mentioned, I am in my mid-40s, so I would love to see a retinol product in this line.  Hopefully on day...*fingers crossed*.  So if you have the chance to pick up some of the Simple Skin Care Products, give them a try.  
    If you are unfamiliar with Klout.com Click Here.

    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.







    DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

    A couple OPI Spiderman swatches...

    OPI recently released its latest collection inspired by the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man Movie.  I knew when I first saw the bottle pictures, that at least one of the shades had to be mine.  The collection has 6 new shades: 

    • Call Me Gwen-ever Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.
    • Into The Night: His perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.
    • Just Spotted The Lizard Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.
    • My Boyfriend Scales Walls: Limb new heights with this cityscape white.
    • Number One Nemesis Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.
    • Your Web Or Mine? The perfect pink for sticky situations.
    I know that this is a limited edition collection, so I will need to make my decisions quickly. So far I have purchased two of the six. I knew that Just Spotted The Lizard: the yellow-green duochrome would my favorite from the collection.  The formula was runny and very sheer.  In these pictures, I used two coats. Next time, I want to try using an under-coating of a dark opaque polish, maybe black. But nonetheless, I'm loving the duochrome!
    The second shade I purchased is, of course, the blue, Into The Night. If you follow my blog or my Twitter page you know that I absolutely love blue polish. 
    Into The Night is a dark denim blue metallic shimmer. As with most metallics you need to be careful to avoid brush strokes. I also found the formula of this one to be runny. In these pictures, I used 2 coats, but would suggest 3 coats to have no VNL.

    I'm thinking that Call me Gwen-ever will also be added to my collection.  Which of this collection have you tried?

    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





    * FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

    It's So Easy® Nail Art Launches a New Website


     
    Los Angeles, Calif. (May 2012) - From catwalks to sidewalks around the world, the word on everybody’s tips is nail art! Anything is possible on the tiny canvases, where works of art can be customized to compliment any skin tone, outfit or other artistic inspirations. Join in on the fun and visit the NEW It’s So Easy® Nail Art website at www.itssoeasynails.com.

    Created for nail lovers everywhere, the It’s So Easy® website features a Nail Art Community. Fans can upload their nail designs, regardless of experience level, and interact with others through Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
              
    Finger art fanatics can have their wishes granted through the It’s So Easy® Product Section by creating a personalized Wish List. Users can select from Stripe Rites, loose glitters, cracked ice, rhinestones and more, then print or email to have their list on hand when visiting their nearest It’s So Easy® store location.
              
    Need inspiration? The growing How-To page offers quick and easy nail art tutorials that can be accomplished in a few easy steps. A What You Need list is available to help visitors create their desired look.

    About It’s So Easy®
    Nothing is impossible when it comes to nail art and It’s So Easy®, a line of tools and accessories to create the ultimate nail creations. It’s So Easy® offers Stripe Rites, rhinestones, loose glitter, cracked ice, sealers and dryers, brushes and more to create fashionable, funky or festive fingers. Visit the website at www.itssoeasynails.com for more information. 
    Like It’s So Easy® on Facebook:

    Follow It’s So Easy® on Instagram:
    @ItsSoEasyNails

    Follow It’s So Easy® on Pinterest:

    Follow It’s So Easy® on Twitter:

    Holo Haul...Layla Hologram...

    Ever since missing out on the earlier holo polishes like China Glaze OMG and earlier OPI DS, I have been on a mission to find holo.  The Layla Cosmetics out of Milan, Italy just recently released additional colors to their holographic  polishes.  This time I had to get my hands on some.  What made it even easier was that Ulta has started carrying the line also.

    So I quickly placed an order and they arrived today. Of course I had to share them with you.  I picked out the Coral Glam, Retro Pink, Ultra Violet, Mermaid Spell and Ocean Rush...


    These are just GORGEOUS!!!  I can't wait to wear them in full manicures.  Have you tried any holos.

    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





    * FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.



    NOTD: China Glaze Fast Track

    This has been the season of brights and neons and I felt the need to cleanse my palette, so I pulled out one of my untrieds. Today I am quickly showing you China Glaze Fast Track from the recent "Colours From The Capitol” Hunger Games Collection.  I have picked up a few from this collection but haven't gotten to wearing them all.  This color is a warm beige with gold fleckie shimmer.  While I have seen other shades that remind me of this, I really have not seen any true dupes.  China Glaze Fast Track is much lighter the China Glaze Ingrid, similar (same family but not dupes) to Essence Irreplaceable, Orly Nite Owl (silver shimmer) and Butter London All Hail The Queen (Silver shimmer).  In these pictures I am wearing 2 coats, but I would really suggest 3 coats for a true bottle color.
     
     

    When you feel the need to cleanse your palette, what's your favorite "Go-To" shade?

    Review:
    • Opacity: pictured is 2 coats but for no VNL I would suggest 3 coats.
    • Collection: 2012  Capitol Colours
    • Bottle:14 mL – 0.5 Fl oz.
    • Brush:Standard narrow brush
    • Price: China Glaze - Reg. $5.99 but can be often found on sale at Sally and other e-tailers.
    • Application: I didn't experience any difficulty with the application of Fast Track, not too thick or runny.  
    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.





    * FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

    Love My Face...You Go Girl!!!

    Most of us that think back, can probably remember Love My Nails nail polish. Well this same company that was probably part of our early childhood makeup journey, also manufactures Pure Ice, and Bon Bon beauty products.  Anyway, the Love My...franchise recently introduced from the Love My Face line, a new set of Face, Cheek, and Face compacts.  These compacts provide "All-Over color for then Face, Cheek and Eye."  While I tend to lean more toward shimmer blushes and bronzer, the matte set  in "You Go Girl" provides a natural color to the cheek.  There are 4 sets to be released, each costing on average, $5.00 each.  They are: 

            • A La Natural
            • You Go Girl
            • You Give Me Fever
            • Sultry In Brown

    I received the You Go Girl compact. There are shades of rosey-pink, bronzey-brown, and champagne; all of which give a matte mauvey-pink color. It reminds me of several of the other brands that have a mosaic type compact. But at a much smaller price. These compact should be easily found wherever Love My...products are sold; as well as the on the BariCosmetics website...baricosmetics.com

    Dependent on your skin-tone, these compacts can be used to highlight, contour and/or provide color to your cheeks.  They can also be used as an eye color.  For me, with a NW43 skin tone, the "You Go Girl" compact provides a rosey, natural warmth.  


    If you get a chance to try any of these compacts, please let me know what you think.

    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.







    * These sample products were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company. 

    Zoya Charla Comparisons...lots of them...

    I am so excited about this post. There is a side-by-side comparison that I have wanted to do for ages and I finally have all the pieces in place to do it; well at least until another brand adds to the list.  Zoya Charla is a well loved blue-green shimmer that I just added to my stash with this recent Zoya Earth Day promotion. I have often come across other polishes that would remind me of Zoya Charla, but it was not until now that I could do a real side-by-side comparison. The polishes I am showing are: (This list is the order in which they are shown on the wheels also-L to R).
    • Essence Choose Me ($0.99)
    • Wet n Wild Teal of Fortune ($1.99)
    • Zoya Charla ($8.00)
    • NYX Girls ($1.49)
    • Sinful Colors Kissy ($1.99)
    • Finger Paints Late Night Rendezvous ($4.99)


    Looking at the bottles alone, you see that they are in the same family but that's where the similarities end.  Now let's look at them each with just one coat.
    Slightly tilted

    Direct shot
    With just one coat there is less of a visible difference.  The are some differences in the shimmer colors and opacity, but not much. A muggle wouldn't have a clue. LOL!  Now let's look at them with two coats.



     What I see when comparing the six polishes are as follows:
    • Essence Choose Me - has more gold shimmer
    • Wet n Wild Teal of Fortune - more sheer, and has teal shimmer
    • Zoya Charla - the most opaque of the bunch
    • NYX Girls - most sheer with gold shimmer
    • Sinful Colors Kissy - gold shimmer
    • Finger Paints Late Night Rendezvous - more blue toned



    Again, where a muggle may not see a difference, a true polish addict, can clearly see differences.  So if you can't get one, there are others that are at least in the same color family. I love doing comparisons and I hope this post has been beneficial to you.  Do you know of any other polishes similar to Charla that I have missed? I must admit, they are each very pretty.


    Grace, Peace, & Blessings.






    * FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.