Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup - 6/10/2012

• Pink Sparklz- New Trend: Matching your lips to your nails! VS Glossy Lip Tint - Boudoir Pink Swatch
• Miss Merli In NYC- Featuring Brooklyn Designer Sam Branman and his mesh creations
• Tolmu Rull Tells All- What to pack into your beauty bag for travelling? See, what frequent flyer Tolmu Rull packs!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom- Blurple is the perfect shade for summer, and Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom picks Cult Nails Tied Up as the best.
• I Like My Polish Black Just Like My Metal- Penguins, nail polish, and bright pink! Oh my! Find out what all these three things have in common and how good they all look together.
• Cosmetics Aficionado- See the Soho Beauty brushes popping up but not sure if you should buy? Check out my review of their Professional Crease Brush.
• Holographic Hussy- Dollish Polish stunning Expecto Patronum in all its glory...
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog- Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog share her Tart Deco Dots on Manic(ure) Monday!
• Emily Hudspeth, Bringing the Beauty to You!- Trying out a new monthly beauty sample service. Emily shares her first month of Sample Society by the Beauty Bar.
• Ishah x Beauty- How to DIY Ombre Hair at Home? Ishah x Beauty has you covered.
• Beauty By Miss L- Miss L did a simple, but eye-catching mani with dots.
• Sincerely Stephanie- Loving the colour blocking trend, but looking for a new take on it? Sincerely Stephanie shows you how to get the look dottified.
• myCosmeticBag- Love black nail polish and gradient manicures? Sink your teeth into Anisha's 'Berry Vampiric' nail look.
• Phyrra- Phyrra is a Superstar with the new Fyrinnae collection!
• Beauty Apocalypse- Want a sophisticated eye? Beauty Apocalypse gives a review of Stila's "Ladies Who Lunch" collection.
• Mani Curiously- Loving the NARS Thakoon Collection? Be sure to check out E's matte take on this stunning cyan blue polish!
• DeyiMizu- Read about the fabulous all-in-one African Shea Butter!
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.- REVIEW: China Glaze Neons...Shimmer Highlights
• Beauty Product Review- Read all about the Jouer samples that I just can't stop raving about
• Midnight Manicures- Dazzle Dry, Vegan and Big 5-Free. Performs like a Gel, removes like a Polish.
• Thepassengerelement- 100th beauty blog post ft Tarina Tarantino's Victorian Punk eyeshadow
• Cosmetically Challenged- Which Glitter Hue is right for you? Cosmetically Challenged puts 5 brands head to head in the battle of the Purple and Blue Glitter Nail Polishes.
• Nails Beautiqued- Summertime fun with Jessica Cosmetics "Gelato Maio" nailpolish collection lots of mouthwatering pastels
• The Lacquerologist- Contrasting colors and finishes come together in this beautiful polka dot manicure from the Abstract Nail Art Challenge!

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

Recent Coastal Scents Brush Haul...

Like I needed another make-up brush! For me, make-up brushes are quickly becoming like nail polishes and lip products...you can never have too many.

During one of their recent sales, I ordered several of the Coastal Scents brushes that I had been eyeing for quite some time.  With this order they sent me an very appropriate sticker..."Makeup Addict". It's official now.

The brushes arrived in a cute little mesh bag, each individually wrapped.

So the face brushes I ordered were:

• Bionic Flat Top Buffer. I received my first flat top buffer last Christmas as part of the Sedona Lace Vortex brush set I purchased for myself as a Christmas present. I quickly fell in love and have since been looking to collect flat top buffer brushes. So I jumped at the Coastal Scents brush.  They are excellent for applying liquid foundation. I obtain a flawless finish. A flat top buffer brush is a must for every brush collection.

• The next two brushes I selected were the large and small Stippling Synthetic brushes. The duo fiber stippling brushes are another brush that is often used for liquid foundation, but I have also used them for other reasons: the small brush for applying setting powder to my under-eye concealer and the larger for blush and bronzer.  Both work well to give an air-brush finish with no streaks.   

• Angle Synthetic Blush brushes were two others I picked up.  I like the angle blush brush for just as the name states, to apply blush. The angled feature helps to apply product along the cheek bone and the hollows of my cheeks. I love the smaller brush for applying highlight to the upper cheekbone. 

The next brushes I purchased were eye brushes.  They were: (L to R)

• Pointed Detail Synthetic brush: I had been looking for another brush for applying my gel eyeliner so I chose this brush. I achieve a smooth line at the water line and at the upper lid.
• Synthetic Concealer Shading brush: Although the name says "concealer" I also use this brush as a flat shader brush for my eye shadows. You will quickly learn that there are no makeup brush "laws". Use them how they best work for you.
• Doefoot Synthetic Blender brush: I use this to blend my corner "V" section of my eye. Because it has an angled cut, it works well with the outer "V".
• Pointed Synthetic Blender Brush: This is a brush that I like for the inner corner for applying highlighter. 
• Crease Synthetic Blender Brush: Every makeup brush collection needs a blender brush or brushes for softening the look of your eye makeup. 

*Unfortunately, I purchased several of these brushes on clearance so some may no longer be available. However, Coastal Scents is always adding new products to their inventory.


So that wraps up my most recent brush haul. Have you purchased any brushes lately, and if so which ones and how do you use them?


This is the second order I have place with Coastal Scents and I have been happy with both. I am sure there will be others. Many of the Coastal Scents brushes have been compared to MAC brushes and several have been said to be better than MAC. I do know that they are more reasonably priced. I also love my 88 palettes. I have the Warm, Mirage, and the Metal palettes.  If you are in the market for new brushes definitely give Coastal Scents a try. They can be found at www.coastalscents.com and frequently have sales.

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: China Glaze Neons...Shimmer Highlights

We have all, at one time or another used a highlighter.  My generation, they were always yellow. But more recently, they come in a variety of colors. The recent China Glaze Neon -2012 Collection looks like it took inspiration from the rainbow of colors available in highlighters.  

I received 4 of the 12 to review. 2 of the 4, I was really surprised at how much I like them because they were really outside of my comfort zone.  Let's start with the 2 that are more my speed:

Flirty Tankini, described as a "Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink".  I must admit, this collection is the first neon collection I've ever seen that contained shimmer.  It's a welcomed change. Flirty Tankini is a pinky, slightly coral shimmer; great for the summer.  I shot these pictures with 2 coats but I would try 3 coats in order to not have visable nail lines.

 

Next, is Surfin' For Boys, described as a "Glistening bright coral".  Whereas Flirty Tankini is a pink with a slight coral, Surfin' For Boys is a Coral with a reddish, pink tone. I was able to achieve bottle color with only 2 coats.

Now, one of the 2 shades that I was really surprised at how much I like was I'm With The Lifeguard-described as "Glimmering lime green". This is a highlighter green with shimmer. The application was streaky, so I will try again after adding a little thinner. But this is a color that really took me by surprise. I'm glad I was forced outside my comfort zone.

Lastly, the shade that most resembles a traditional highlighter is Sun-Kissed-described as "Hot highlighter yellow". This one was more difficult to photograph, I was getting a greenish tint. But after reading others' blog post, it appears that they also found a greenish hue to this shade.  Sun-Kissed gave me the most trouble with the application. It was very streaky. But nonetheless, a pleasant surprise at how much I like this shade.

For the most part, this collection of neons is different from others, while it dries matte as most, as I mentioned, I had never come across shimmer neons.  They were more difficult to apply so I would suggest adding thinner.

These were due to be at retail buy June, 2012, so you should be able to find them now.  So if you are looking for something other than the normal flat neons, give China Glaze Summer Neons as try.

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. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Beauty Changes Lives Enrolled Student Scholarship Competition

Beauty Changes Lives Enrolled Student Scholarship Competition

Industry icons give back through mentoring opportunities

(June 11, 2012) – The Beauty Changes Lives Enrolled Student Scholarship Competition launched Friday, June 8, providing an opportunity for beauty school students to learn from industry icons in hair, nails, esthetics and celebrity grooming.

Students enrolled in an American Association of Cosmetology Schools member school can review complete competition details and enter the competition by visiting http://beautychangeslives.org/scholarships/.

Each winner will receive a day of mentoring with an industry icon along with a $500 travel allowance. Mentors include: Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist; Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director of CND; Dr. Howard Murad, renowned dermatologist and published author; and Diana Schmidtke, makeup artist and grooming consultant to many of Hollywood’s leading men.

Four mentoring experiences will be awarded—two to students pursuing a career as a hairstylist, one to a student pursuing a career in nail care and one to a student pursuing a career in esthetics. Winners will be announced during the Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA) Convention, July 27-30, in Orlando, Florida. 

A judging panel comprised of industry experts will select finalists and winners. Finalists will be selected based on their passion for the industry and the number of online votes their application submissions (one-to-three minute video or essay) receive.  Videos and essays must answer the question: How does beauty change lives and how will you change lives as a beauty and wellness professional?

Judges will be looking for entrants’ creativity in presentation and how they believe a career in beauty will change their lives

There are so many paths to excellence in today’s beauty industry, whether it’s working in a spa or salon, working with celebrities, developing products that transform skin care, to owning a salon. As a beauty and wellness professional, the career paths are endless. All of these careers change lives not just for clients, but for the professionals who provide beauty services,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.  

She added the competition is also unique in that it isn’t a talent competition, but an opportunity for students to share their passion and aspirations for careers in the beauty industry. “This competition connects beauty school students who have a dream with those that are already living the dream. It underscores the support and collegiality that distinguishes the beauty industry and makes it so special,” Lynch said.

Complete information about the Beauty Changes Lives Enrolled Student Scholarship Competition is available at http://beautychangeslives.org/scholarships/.

The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) which seeks to raise awareness of careers in the beauty and wellness industry, while raising funds for beauty school scholarships. The Beauty Changes Lives Enrolled Student Scholarship Competition site is sponsored by Shortcuts Software and Powered by LinkUp Marketing.

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SKINCARE: Philosophy Purity vs. Neutrogena Naturals Cleanser + Remover

If you have followed me via my blog, twitter, or face book for any time you know that Philosophy Purity Made Simple has long since been my holy grail facial cleanser.  I have used Purity easily for at least 7 years.  But from time to time I sample other products to see if there is anything similar to my beloved Purity.  I have tried several other products that never even came close. I would always return to my Purity.  The other products would always leave my skin feel stripped, tight, and dry.  As I approach another age milestone, I have been giving much consideration to my skincare regimen.  The products that I had used for acne control are no longer working for me.  Fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, enlarged pores, and dry patches are now what I must be concerned with.  Several months ago, I switched my toner from the alcohol-based product I had used for years to a more gentle yet effective product, Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, and I love it.  This spring, I received the Target Beauty Bag and which included a sample of Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser.  After letting it sit on my vanity for a couple weeks, I decided to give it a try.  While it did not remove all my makeup, it also did not leave my skin tight, stripped or dry, as so many other products had.  I then decided to see what other products Neutrogena had that might address cleansing and makeup removal. I am not unfamiliar with the Neutrogena brand, I just hadn't given the skin care branch much attention over the past several years.  (BTW: I love the Neutrogena Triple Moisture product line.  I found that Neutrogena had a Naturals line that included a facial cleanser + makeup remover.  I decided to give that product a try.  Here is what I found:

Philosophy Purity Made Simple	Neutrogena® Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover
·         Effective: 1 step cleanser that cleanses without stripping skin of natural oils.	·         Effective: 1 step cleanser that cleanses without stripping skin of natural oils.
·         Effective: Removes makeup without stripping. It even removes waterproof eye makeup	·         Effective: Removes makeup without stripping.  It removes most traces of eye makeup, but not all.
·         Effective: Doesn't irritate skin or eyes. Can open eyes while using	·         Effective: Doesn’t irritate skin, but does slightly sting eyes if contact made
·         Moisturizing:  Left skin feeling very moisturized. Often would forget to apply moisturizer because of just how moisturized my skin felt	·         Moisturizing: Didn't leave skin feeling tight or dry, but did require daily moisturizer
·         Works great with my Clarisonic	·         Works great with my Clarisonic
·         Scent:  Close to no scent at all. Claims Fragrance-Free	·         Scent: Fresh Clean Scent
·         Availability: Philosophy.com, QVC, Sephora, Ulta, & some department stores	·         Availability: Most drugstores, grocery stores, chain stores
·         Size:  Varying 3oz - 32oz  - $10-49.50	·         Size: 6oz only - $7.49
·         Overall Opinion:  Philosophy Purity Made Simple has been my holy grail facial cleanser for at least 7 years.  While Neutrogena Natural Fresh Cleanser + Makeup Remover, does not replace it, it is a very close second; especially for those times when my money is funny.	·         Overall Opinion:  I have finally found a drugstore product that runs a very close second to my department store Philosophy Purity Made Simple.  I had often looked for alternative product to  use for those times when my money is funny.  I have found it!  I need to try some of the other Neutrogena Natural products. It had been a while since I tried any Neutrogena products. I think I need to revisit the brand, I may have been short-changing myself.

Have you tried Neutrogena Naturals Line and if so which product? Do you recommend any other Neutrogena  products?

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.