Product Review: Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow, B-

Happy Monday to all! Up for product review today is an eye shadow I received as a BzzAgent - Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow. This convenient eyeshadow is served up in a twistable, crayon like form and retails for $8.99.

Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow, Stay-Put Plum

About Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow:

Anti-Oxidant Rich Formula Nourishes the Delicate Eye Area

• Built-in primer prevents creasing, fading & smudging
• Cream shadow instantly revives & brightens eyes
• Sheer silky color with light reflecting pearls instantly brightens eyes
• Ophthalmologist tested.  Safe for sensitive eyes.

My Review:

The Good: I love the concept - an easy to apply, sheer but pretty wash of color for the lids that doesn't crease or fade. And yes, this delivers on those fronts. It's goof proof and the Lasting Taupe (muted silvery taupe) is especially pretty layered under a smokey eye and smudged on the lower lash line.

The Bad: Well, the wash of color is incredibly subtle. As in the Constant Copper looked more like ballerina pink on my medium skin tone - read: barely shows up. It's also worth noting that you should avoid layering the crease proof shadow on top of itself as it will start an ugly product buildup.

The Verdict: B-. For an eyeshadow base, this is a pretty sweet product. However, if you're looking for true color impact, go ahead and skip this option.

Product Review: Clinique High Impact Mascara, C+

Just like lip gloss/chapstick/lipstick/etc, I have a penchant for sampling a variety of mascara. Thus, it should come as no surprise that we have another option up on tap for product review...Clinique's High Impact Mascara.

While this is not a new product to the shelves, I've been meaning to give it a go for a while. Plus, with a promise of *high impact,* I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, I can't see myself purchasing this one in the future...

Clinique High Impact Mascara

About Clinique's High Impact Mascara:

What it is:
A richly pigmented mascara that kicks up the volume of each individual lash.

What it does:
Get instant drama! Pump up the volume and length of each lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, and bolder. Dress your lashes in pure, deep color—wear it once and you'll feel naked without it.

What else you need to know:
Ophthalmologist tested.

My Review:

The Good: It definitely doesn't clump, goes on soft and smooth, and provides a very natural effect. Plus, it washes off very easily with a mild face cleanser.

The Bad: Well, I didn't see any high impact whatsoever. This is after I made sure to curl my lashes and swipe on two light coats. Meh.

The Verdict: C+. I appreciate the natural, soft effect but this mascara doesn't live up to its high impact name.

Product review: Benefit Hervana Blush, A

Ah the perfect flush. The "Oh hai, I just got done trotting a 5k" cheeks can be hard to come by. However, I have found a new blush that I'm just tickled over - Benefit's Hervana. While this cheeky cheeker runs $28 per package, I contend it's well worth it.

Benefit Cosmetics Hervana

About Hervana via Sephora:

What it is:
A "good karma" face powder.

What it does:
This powder in four shades–Lucky Shell, Divine Peach, Heavenly Rose and Berry Delight–blend together perfectly for an orchid-blossom blush with a soft satin finish. Swirl and sweep it on for a heavenly flush of enlightenment.

What else you need to know:
For an extra-angelic look, dot High Beam from cheekbones to temples. It's like a halo of highlighting!

My Review:

The Good: Color saturation is the bombdotcom. There's no glitter and really, I don't see much shimmer either. And guess what - this powder blush actually stays put for more than an hour. Since I'm not exactly painting on a full face of makeup these days, I find that a few swipes of Hervana really keep my face looking fresh, rosy and alive.

The Bad: $28 may be a little steep, but considering the color payoff I'd say it's justifiable.

The Verdict: Hervana earns an A from me! I'm seriously considering making this a staple in my makeup bag.

Product Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, A-

Another day, another lip product. As I've mentioned before, I often hoard lip products in my purse. Just ask anyone who's spied the inside pocket of my bag. At any give time you'll likely find some type of lip balm, two or three glosses, two or three lipsticks and some other type of random lip product. Excess? Sure. But admitting you have a problem is the first step, no?

So, yes, I love lip products and a few weeks back one of my work buddies whipped out Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Oooh...I must investigate. The next time I found myself at Walgreens, I spied said product and took a gander. And hey, buy one get one 50% off doesn't hurt. I left with two - Honey Douce (a pretty neutral rose) and Sweetheart Valentine (a vibrant pink).

Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

About Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (that's a mouthful):

Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing Balm

100% of women who tried it felt their lips were instantly moisturized with a soft stain of color

Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required

My Review:

The Good: The color payoff and texture are very on point. Revlon's not lying when they say this is a stain and balm - a tough line to toe (well)! I found the lippie moisturizing and both colors very pretty. Plus, no sharpener required - bonus!

The Bad: Well, $9 for a drugstore balm/stain is a bit on the pricey side, but it's remedied with a coupon or BOGO.

The Verdict: A-. This product fits in nicely with my arsenal of lip goodies. The shades are pretty and versatile and the stain is lasting without looking like you just nuzzled a Tootsie pop. Nice work, Revlon.

Product Review: Eyeko Fat Stick, C-

You know that phrase, "Too good to be true"? Yeah, well, that's what I thought of when I used one of my recent Birchbox products, Eyeko's Fat Eye Stick in Old Gold. This smudgey stick can be found on Birchbox for $15 for a .14 oz.

About Eyeko Fat Eye Stick:

How it Works
Anyone can pull off these rich colors. Black is an intense charcoal, Petrol Blue is a deep blue that’s oh-so-edgy, and Old Gold is a metallic hue with olive undertones.

How to Use
Each creamy stick contains endless possibilities. Apply along your lashline and smudge out past the outer corners of your eyes for winged effects. Shade your lids and blend with your fingers to wear as a shadow, or dab a bit around the inner corners of your eyes for a discreet pop of color. For long-lasting pigments, use an eye primer.  

My Review:

The Good: The color, Old Gold, is a smokey greenish gold-grey. The shade is really oh-so pretty. And the product definitely smolders onto the eyelid and lashline.

The Bad: Well, beyond the pretty shade, this product was kind of a hot mess on my eye when used as a cream shadow. When they say smolder, they kind of mean smudge. All over your lid. Even with a fair amount of lid primer, this product bled almost up to my eyebrow.

The Verdict: C-. If you're using this strictly as a liner and a lower lashline smudge option, great. If you prefer to use it as a cream eyeshadow smudge, beware, this one can get messy.

Product Review: Revlon PhotoReady 3D Mascara, B-

Ah the search for the holy grail, affordable mascara continues. Today's product review highlights Revlon's newish PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara. Expect to pay between $6.50-$9 for a .34 oz tube.

Revlon Photo Ready 3D Volume Mascara

About Revlon PhotoReady 3D Mascara: 
 Get glamorous, big volume lashes from every angle Lashes look 100% more magnified, multiplied, amplified* *with two coats.

My Review:
The Good: This is an anti-clumping mascara. Truly, I never get clumps when I use it. Each coat goes on thin and smooth and dries pretty quickly. I've also seen minimal smudging/mascara bleeding throughout the day, even in super hot conditions.

The Bad: It wears like a minimal mascara. As in, I didn't see too much volume...at all. Expect a pretty, natural look unless you have uber long lashes already. There isn't much of a "wow" factor with this mascara. 

The Verdict: B- from me. It's a decent drugstore mascara with a great brush that really separates your lashes. However, the formula itself isn't anything to write home about. As for the volume? It's a bit lacking overall.

Product Review: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer, B+

When your skin leads a revolt against you - due to weather, hormones, age - you're left with little choice. I'm a big believer in tried and true skincare regimens and keeping your epidermis healthy and all, but sometimes that's just not going to cut it. Thus the need for concealer.

A few months back I trotted over to Sephora to pick up Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer to camouflage a few not-so-discreet visitors on my face. The $32 price tag (for .5 ounces) can certainly cause some sticker shock, but yo, I needed some serious reinforcements. I tested out a few different shades (definitely test out the shades before you pull the trigger), plucked #6 from the shelf, paid and went on my merry way.

About MUFE Full Cover Concealer via Sephora:

What it is:
An ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer.

What it is formulated to do:
Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos. This light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body.

Clinical Testing/Results:
Clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness. Sephora is the exclusive beauty retailer for this product.

My Review:

The Good: It's thick but buildable and does a really nice job of hiding imperfections and blemishes. I highly recommend using a concealer brush or your ring finger to gently tap it into the problem area and build upon it with one more light layer for extra coverage. Don't fret - it doesn't cake up on you. It also comes in a variety of shades for almost any skin tone.

The Bad: $32 is a helluva lot for concealer. And while it does last through most of the day, I'm not sure how it would hold up over hyperpigmented areas or tattoos.

The Verdict: B+. It has been my (facial) saving grace as of late. The consistency is nice, the coverage is adequate and it's definitely what I needed.

Product Review: Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curl Cream, B

Since I've been traveling pretty extensively as of late, I've had the opportunity to really explore the fruits of each month's Birchbox.

Typically said products come wrapped sweetly in pink, tied with ribbon and in a size that is oh-so-airport friendly. Over the past few weeks I've taken a shining to Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curl Cream ...especially when I am literally running out the door in the morning. Throw in locks, scrunch/mess and go. This Bubblicious smelling cream offers 8 ounces for $32 on Birchbox.

More about Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curl Cream: 

Birchbox Breakdown:
It’s a cardinal curly hair rule: work with your strands, not against them. Miss Jessie’s makes that easy with this weightless styling cream, which enhances hair’s natural bounce and shape without any heaviness. Whether your hair is naturally kinky, curly, or wavy, the moisturizing formula does away with frizz and dryness. And since it’s packed full of moisturizing botanicals, it doubles as a rescue treatment for fried and over-processed hair.

How it Works:
This light-as-air cream gets to work immediately, sealing in hydration and adding shine, while also softening and strengthening each strand. The secret to the formula is its winning combo of plant extracts, including grape seed, lavender, and chestnut. You can thank an infusion of ginger flower and lime for the fresh, sweet scent.

My Review:

The Good: It's a curl cream, so if you have a fair amount of wave or curl in your hair, this product is great for a pretty sheen and soft lock of cur. It also "builds" well on dirty hair, so feel free to mist your locks with water and scrunch some of this product in to curl up.

The Bad: You have to work with this product a bit if your hair is too dry or too damp. It's also pretty pricey! 

The Verdict: B from me. Once you find the manner in which to use this curl cream, it's pretty dreamy. I had to work with it a bit in the beginning, but it's a great product for your waves/curls if you're on the go!

Product Review: Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation, C

I was in love with Laura Mercier's original oil free foundation. In love.

But, unfortunately, sometimes good things must come to an end and a few months back a LM rep told me that their oil free foundation was going through a revamp. Before fully committing to a full size ($42 for 1 oz) version of the revamped formula, I strolled into Sephora for a sample. Said sample lasted me about a week, so I think it's safe to say I gave the new formula a fair shake.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Suprême Foundation

About LM Oil Free Supreme Foundation:

What it is: An oil-free foundation that gives skin comfortable eight-hour coverage and a naturally flawless look.

What it does: This oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines. Its buildable coverage allows for moderate to full coverage, evening skintone while providing a soft matte finish.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: Synthetic Fragrances

My Review:

The Good: the color still rings true to the previous (original) Sunny Beige. Coverage is moderate - full and if you can blend the foundation with your face lotion/moisturizer, it can be a pretty good deal as it lasts quite a long time.  

The Bad: The new formula just doesn't blend well with my skin type. It seems a bit dry, a bit smudgy and effectively feels like it "lays" on top of my skin. Meh.

The Verdict: C overall. I truly wanted to like this LM foundation as much as the previous, but it fell short for me. I'm sticking with LM's tinted moisturizer for now.

Product Review: Neutrogena Nourishing Lip Balm, A

I love me some Neutrogena. Back in the days when I used the famous yellow-orange, jelly-like face bar, this brand has come a long way from simply fighting acne. That's why I was pretty pumped to be part of a recent BzzAgent Campaign with a handful of Neutrogena goodies. First item up for review is the Revitalizing Lip Balm. Other BzzAgent Neutrogena product reviews to come soon!

Deets from Neutrogena:
Revitalizing Lip Balm helps make lips softer, rosier and healthier-looking, even after you take it off! This sheer tinted balm with exclusive ion2complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined. In just one week, it helps improve lips' texture and restores the look of rosiness. SPF 20 helps protect lips and keeps them looking healthy.

Give your lips the revitalized look and feel they deserve.

• SPF 20
• Sheer tint
• 6 shades

My Review:

The Good: It smells like SweetTarts and leaves a lovely swath of color on your lips. Be aware that it's not like a sheer lipbalm, this balm packs a punch of color! And I lurve it. The product most certainly keep my kisser soft and smooth, too.

The Bad: Honestly, the only less than desirable point is that $8.99 for a lipbalm may seem a bit steep, but this is closer to a sheer lipstick in both size and quality. Do you best to balm your lips within the lines!

The Verdict: A all the way. I dig this product - the scent, the result on the lips, the staying power and the lovely shades it is offered in. The Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm is a win for me and a definite rebuy.

Product Review: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, B+

Nothin' like a deliciously scented, new face wash to brighten up your Tuesday, hmmm?

Yes, as of late I've been sticking my face into Neutrogena's new Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser. You can find this (almost) all natural product at a variety of drugstores, Ulta, and probably every big box retailer out there. Expect to pay $6-$7.50 for 6 ounces.

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

About Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cleanser:
This face wash contains natural salicylic acid found in Willowbark bionutrients to penetrate deep into pores to detoxify and help remove dirt, oil and makeup, while rinsing clean without pore-clogging residue.

My Review:

The Good: This product smells divine. It's like a fruit basket exploded on your face in a foamy, rich lather. And, said fruity lather really removes makeup and leaves my face soft and uber clean. And even though this is a minor point, I'm a fan of the pump dispenser.

The Bad: Sometimes my face can feel a little bit tight and a teeny bit dry.

The Verdict: B+ from me. I dig the natural products and this one doesn't disappoint. For a simple cleanser that does the job well and naturally, Neutrogena put forth a nice product.

Product Review: Benefit Stay Don't Stray, B+

Another day, another product to review! Today I'm talkin' about avoiding eyeshadow creasing. This is extra important for the steamy summer months coming at us. Creasing is most certainly not in for summer, when it comes to eye makeup, that is.

During a recent Sephora jaunt, I picked up Benefit's Stay Don't Stray, $26 for .33 ounces. This may seem a tad steep, but this product offers much more product compared to other similarly priced eyeshadow primers. i.e. Smashbox's Photo Finish primer is $20 for .08 ounces.

Thus, if we were comparing the two, side by side per ounce, Benefit would cost $78 per ounce while Smashbox would cost $250. See, math really does come in handy every once in a while.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray

About Benefit's Stay Don't Stray from Sephora:
What it is:
A 360 degree primer for concealers and eye shadows.

What it does:
Tell your eye makeup to stay, don't stray! This dual-action primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eye shadows REALLY stay put. Concealers never crease and eye shadows stay vibrant and true—you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

What else you need to know:
Stay Don't Stray preps, protects, AND perfects!

Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.

Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.

Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

My Review:
The Good: The product definitely does as it purports - my eyeshadow stayed *almost* all day. No creasing, no sliding and color payoff was certainly present with my eyeshadows used.

The Bad: The pump produces too much product. You only need a few tiny dots to use on your eyelids, and the pump produces way more than that with just a light touch. I hate wasting product, so I need to finagle the pump a bit further to make it work for me.

The Verdict: B+. The value is here, the product is solid and as soon as the pump becomes a but less sensitive to a super light touch, I see this completely working for me.

Currently Craving: Coobies

Whenever I hear about those do-it-all products, I become instantly skeptical. Even though I'm enthralled with infomercials, I've never really acted on them. Beyond the Magic Bullet...that teeny blender and chopper is pretty sweet. But I digress.

Anywho, a while back I picked up a Coobie at a local Charlotte boutique. It rhymes with boobies, so that makes me giggle. I have to think that the brilliant people behind this product named it so on purpose. Or at least I hope they did. Here's what scoopneck Coobie looks like:

She looks so serious, doesn't she? But she does indeed look comfortable.

Via Coobie's website:

What's a Coobie Seamless Bra?
It's simply the most amazing bra you'll ever buy. Ultra comfortable, supportive, and inexpensive - it's the perfect combination. The Coobie Bra provides shape and support and can be worn in place of a camisole or tank top. The Coobie Bra fits almost every body!

My take: 
Is it the most amazing bra I've ever purchased? No. That distinction is saved for my Chantelle variety. But hey, here's the cool thing...it really does fit just about any set of girls. It's uber comfortable and comes in a variety of fun shades. Can I substitute said bra as a sports bra or daily bra? Hell to the no. But, if I'm just kickin' around the house, it is perfect and incredibly comfortable.

There are a variety of shades, patterns and types. Some with lace, some to fit ladies with even more upstairs. I have a crush on my Coobie and it's $20 well spent.

They're also running a pretty sweet BOGO offer online...which I will soon be using. The promo code is PMBOGO.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Product Review: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, B+

Years ago I thought that highlighters and luminizers were a waste of money. How silly of me. Ever since I tried out Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector, I've been fairly obsessed. This dreamy product makes my cheekbones pop more than a JLo dance move.

It's not a cheap treat; expect to fork out $40ish for 1.7 ounce pump tube. However, the results are fabulous and you really only need to use a teeny tiny bit otherwise you're going to look like a gilded oompa loompa.  The product comes in Opal and Topaz...opal being the shade I'm a fan of for my skin tone.

About Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector:

• Provides hydration, SPF 20+ broad-spectrum sun protection and a light shimmer 
• Illuminates the skin to diminish dark spots, and promote a healthy, youthful glow 
• Firms and softens the skin while nourishing with vitamins A, B, D and E 
• Results in plump, comfortable and radiant skin 
• Opal is a very light shade with subtle shimmer 

My Review:
 
The Good: Damn, this makes my cheekbones look good. So good that I get compliments on them. You know how often that happened before I started using this product? About never. It also looks fabu on the tops of your shoulders, clavicle, etc. It's not glittery or gritty, it's creamy and full of sheen.

The Bad: Big surprise here, it's not cheap. Or easy to come by. You can score it on Amazon or find a local retailer.

The Verdict: B+. I feel pretty oh so pretty and if pretty costs just a bit more, so be it. You really don't have to use a lot of product to garner a sheen, so go for it...or glow for it.

Product Review: Davines Wizards No.14 Sea Salt Primer, A

About nine months ago, when I went for the big hair chop, I began experimenting with tons o' products. I became a product whore. I'm admitting it. Whatever. There are worse things.

A few weeks back when I was checking out Orange Olive, an adorable salon in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood, the sweet stylists recommended Davines Sea Salt Primer. My ears perked up and my nose went wild for this deliciously scented, wave-inducing spray. I was about two or three glasses of wine into the evening, so I forked over the $24 or so and went on my merry way. And I'm so glad I did.

About Davines Wizards No.14 Sea Salt Primer:
Davines Sea Salt Primer for Wizards No.14 is a salt-infused styling spray for fullness, hold and a cool mat finish. It adds texture and lots of volume with a light hold and dry finish. It gives hair a wind swept style and a "just off the beach" texture. Sea salt primer gives body while minimizing fly-aways.

HOW TO USE: Apply in sections on wet hair or after blow drying and use your fingertips to form natural waves and texture on hair.

RESULT: Hair will look full of body and volume with a mat finish and dry look. Ideal for short, medium, and long hair to give structure and create dynamic looks.

My Review:
The Good: Damn, this is a great wave spray. As mentioned, it smells delightful and definitely creates soft but tousled waves. And those waves stay all day, yo. If you have stick straight hair, this is a great product to mist over the your ends if you're going in hot with a curling iron. I prefer to spray the product in my hands and distribute evenly as I find spraying randomly can waste product and get too much into my roots.

The Bad: It's pretty pricy. Expect to pay $20-$30 for a 250 ml bottled (approx. 8.4 ounces).

The Verdict: A all the way. While it's expensive, this is now my go-to, holy grail sea salt spray. I rarely need to stack products on top of this if I use it correctly. And I don't need to use more than a few focused spritzes, so the bang for your buck is fairly present.

Product Review: Garnier BB Cream, C

Happy Friday, y'all! Up on the product review docket is Garnier's new BB Cream. I received this pretty little tube as a BzzAgent and was pretty jacked to give it a go. You can find this product in a multitude of drugstores for $9-$12 per 2.5 oz. tube. Let's discuss, shall we?

About Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector:

Is it right for me?
Skin concerns, such as discoloration, dullness, blotchiness and dryness can come from a number of different sources. It's hard to find just one product that addresses them all. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream immediately and effectively fullfills your skincare expectations with just one multi-benefit product that combines intense moisturizing skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage for skin that looks naturally more even, radiant and smooth.

How is it different?
It’s a new idea in skincare. B.B. Cream is a hybrid formula that offers advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage in one single beauty product.

How do I use it?
Gently apply Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream to face and neck prior to sun exposure for instant coverage and correction as well as for protection. Reapply as needed.

My Review:

The Good: I fully appreciate a multi-use product. This cream has SPF, good-for-your-skin ingredients and simply packaging. The fewer steps I have to take to prep my skin, the better. Plus, the price is affordable considering all the perceived benefits and uses.

The Bad: The product was pretty thick and felt like a mask on my face, i.e., my skin couldn't breathe. And I did experience a few breakouts from it. Plus, the coverage is minimal, so don't think this will replace your foundation or even your tinted moisturizer. There's also a pretty heavy scent.

The Verdict: C from me. I wanted to like it, but the cream is too heavy for my skin and I felt like my pores were suffocating and thus, suffering. Perhaps this would work better on someone with less sensitive skin?

Product Review: Cover Girl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm, A

Ah, drugstore goodies. The situation: I had limited time, a couple bucks and a dream of a sheer lip balm. Enter Cover Girl's NaturalLuxe collection. $12 later I walked out with two shades: Grenache and Anemone.

Grenache is a creamy, pale mauve and Anemone is a vibrant coral with plenty of red undertones.

About NaturalLuxe Gloss Balm: 
Get the sheer color and shine of a gloss with the soft, lightweight feel of SPF 15 balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, this feel-good formula leaves your lips feeling decadent and delicious.

• Luxurious, sheer color with a hint of shine
• Contains decadent mango and shea butter
• Soft, lightweight feel
• SPF 15

My review:

The Good: Yay for SPF, fun shades and affordability. The product keeps your lips soft and supple and the shades are super friendly for just about anyone. This is truly a tinted lip balm with a decent color payoff.

The Bad: Not a surprise, but this is not going to remain on your lips for long. It's a balm, yo, not a 12 hour lipstick.

The Verdict: A all the way. Total drugstore score.

Product Review: Sonia Kashuk Brush and Sponge Cleanser, A

Washing zee makeup brushes is a fairly annoying yet very important task for every skin and eye conscious, makeup wearing lady. And while I've probably spent most of my face painting life washing my brushes with mild hand soap and warm water, I decided to try out Sonia Kashuk's variety via a recent Target run.

You can snag this 5.1 oz. spray bottle in store or online for $6-$7.

Info via Target:

For healthier skin and perfect application, keep your makeup brushes and other accessories clean with this brush and sponge cleaner from Sonia Kashuk.

My Review:

The Good: It's compact, it's very affordable and if you follow directions it really cleans your brushes without damaging the bristles. I recommend spraying a bit on the bristles and gently massaging the product through to remove any makeup residue, get it frothy, then rinse well.

*Note - always lie your brushes down on a flat surface to dry. Do not store them in a cup - bristles up - to dry. You'll rot the bottom of the bristles and potentially ruin your pretty brushes.

The Bad: Can't think of anything less than great. It does its job affordably and well!

The Verdict: A all the way. If you aren't washing your brushes at least every few weeks, get some of this and get on it. It takes 5 minutes and it will leave your brushes and your face happy, clean, and soft!

Product Review: Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, A-

Ah, the power of Birchbox. Let me tell you, over the past few weeks of 1) being sick and 2) the weather bopping up and down faster than a bobblehead on the highway, my skin has been through the wringer.

I really would prefer *not* to regress to my teenage skin years, so I was pretty pumped when I opened up this month's Birchbox and found a big ole sample of Juice Beauty's Blemish Clearing Serum.

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum 2oz

About Juice Beauty's Blemish Clearing Serum: 

A powerful hydroxy-acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon and raw cane sugar blended with vitamin antioxidants and co-enzyme Q10 to help clear blemishes and even out skin tone and texture.

Benefits:

• Helps clear blemishes 
• Willowbark helps even out skin tone and texture 
• Contains hydroxy-acid apple and lemon juices 

For oily, combination, problem skin types.

My Review: 

The Good: This product does as it's told. It works. It calms down any raging blemishes you've got going on (yes, even if you popped it...don't lie, I know you do it too). Plus, it seems to smooth out any underlying issues in the skin. Plus, it's made from all natural ingredients.

The Bad: Like most good things in the world, it doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay in the $25-$30 range for 2 ounces. Also, if you get a bit liberal with application, the product dries a bit sticky.

The Verdict: A- from me. When my skin misbehaves, I'm going to continue to use this one. I liked the sample so much that I sprung for the full size product. You really only need a tiny bit of product (otherwise it gets a bit sticky), so the 2 ounce glass dropper bottle should last a long time.

Product Review: Stila Smudge Crayons, B

Hello hello! Who's ready for some new eye duds? I thought you would be.

My lovely friend Diana suggested I try out Stila's newest goodie, Smudge Crayons. Similar to the new craze over B.B. creams, these handy dandy little eye crayons offer the holy trinity of goodness: waterproof eye primer, shadow and liner. I played with the Smoke color...and found it super smudgey and fun.


About this product, via Sephora:

What It Is: A three-in-one gel-based eye primer, shadow, and liner that glides on with ease and stays in place until you say when.

What it does: This advanced, creamy, multi-pearl formula is infused with emollients for smooth, comfortable application. It provides rich, bold color and more than six hours of continuous wear that won't fade or crease over time.

What else you need to know: This product features a pull-out sharpener conveniently hidden in the base.

Size: 0.04 oz, retails for $22

My review:

The Good: The Smoke shade (as with many of the other colors) is lovely. Smokey, pewter prettiness. And true to form, this crayon offers a nice wash of color that stays put. I found that this product works best as a shadow and lower lash line smudger. If you're going to use it strictly as a primer, go easy on the application!

The Bad: As with many other gel or cream based eye shadows, time is sometimes not your friend. You may see a bit of creasing later in the day. Plus, the price tag ($22) may be a bit of a deterrent for some ladies.

The Verdict: B from me! This is a pretty solid product that, for the most part, lives up to its trinity of uses. Definitely check out Kitten, Smoke, and Midnight Blue for a multitude of uses.