Ulta 21 Days of Beauty~ Weekend Deals!

Just so you don't miss out on a nice deal!!

Saturday: Day 7- bareMinerals, Urban Decay, Clarisonic, and Philosophy. 38% Off Philosophy Purity Made Simple Foaming Cleanser.

Sunday: Day 8- bareMinerals, Smashbox, and Murad. bareMinerals PrimeTime Travel Primer, $8.


In case you're wondering, Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty is a series of 21 days in which specific brands are featured on certain days-- meaning those brands will have complimentary consultations and also some product demonstrations-- and there is also a special deal for each day. To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure how it works because I missed it last year, but it sounds like fun!

Enjoy! Let me know if you snag/experience anything! =)

FOUND IT Friday!!!! And A new favorite~

Happy Friday, all!

Hope everyone had a nice St. Paddy's! If it was a little TOO nice, here are some tips to looking refreshed this morning ;)
- Moisturize!!
- Don't use dark eyeshadow, it will accentuate any darkness under the eyes.
- Use Mascara on top only, and curl your lashes to look more awake.
- Highlight your cheekbones.
- Wear a pink gloss, since pink is lively and youthful.

*Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Day 6: Benefit, Smashbox, and Murad. Free Benefit Brow Wax with $50 Benefit purchase, at participating locations. 

I am happy to say, that I finalyl have in my possession Physician Formula's new Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum, $10.99 at Ulta.

Here is what it claims, as per PhysiciansFormula.com:

Whoo! Looks promising, huh?

Let's take a look:

This was my mess-up, but I wanted to show that it's not a felt tip pen, but rather a tapered brush-- it applies like a charm!! 

FYI I made the liner uber thick. 

I chose the brown shade since it's more likely I'll wear it every day than black. It also comes in Purple (I have yet to see it) and Clear, so you can wear it at night. I'm trying my best to wear it every day, and there will be a comparison post soon. =)

In the meantime, I'm having fun with this eyeliner! It is SO EASY to apply! I love the brush tip-- and it's so tapered that you can make teeny lines!

A small enough line to liner the bottom lashes-- nice! (And a double-wing-- getting risky! Haha!)

I would like to introduce you to my new favorite colored liner, Urban Decay's new 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Delinquent, $20.00 at Ulta. 

This is a chubby pencil meant to be used as a liner or a shadow-- it REALLY has staying power!!

Compared to a typical size liner. 

On top of PF Liner~ 

As a shadow~

Love the color!!!!

Yay liners! What do you think?? You should try using a bright liner this weekend! ;) 

Until next time--

~Beauty Maven

Technique Thursday-- Contouring with Blush

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!!

*Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Day 5: Pur Minerals and Exuviance, Pur Minerals Mineral Glow for $12



Here's the look I will be rocking today:

Hehe. Love it!


Recently I was on the search for a blush for my mother. I ended up picking up a contouring trio from CoverGirl, which was not the right color, but it was so cheap we decided just to keep it.

And also, I can't help but play with any new beauty product, so here we go!

CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush Trio in Sophisticated Sable, $5.99 at Walgreens.

Foundation + Concealer alone 

No color or contours- blah.

With CoverGirl Trio

With CoverGirl Trio

YOu add the middle color to the apples of your cheeks, the darker just below-- and BLEND-- and the lightest on the top of the cheekbone as a highlighter. 

I really love this trio! First of all, it smells really good. Secondly, I like the amount of shimmer in it. Lastly, the colors blend very well together so that it's no obvious that you are being tricksy. 

The only this is that is transfers a bit easily, so be careful if you hug someone in a white shirt. 

The darkest shade can be a bit touchy, so if you see an obvious line, take a kabuki/bronzer brush and buff the edge until it's blended it. 

What do you think? Do you contour? Ever thought of doing it with blush instead of bronzer? Bronzer is my go-to!

Until Next Time--

~Beauty Maven

What's New/Want It! Wednesday-- New Chanel polish dupe! Keratin on the cheap, and Platinum Pixies

Hello!

*Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, Day 4: Studio Gear and Kinerase. All Kinerase, 20% off. 

Welcome to this week's What's New/Want it! Wednesday! Let's get started. =)


Revlon has released a new polish, Black With Envy, which is similar to their release of Perplex in that these are both dupes of Chanel polishes, (Perplex post here). This new shade is a dupe of Chanel's Black Pearl:

To check out the new Revlon polish, check out this post with NouveauCheap!


The other day I saw a new product from the Organix line. It's particularly interesting because it's a drugstore Keratin treatment. Basically, Keratin is a conditioning treatment which helps reduce frizz and relx curl. It's typically a salon process, but it's interesting to have it offered at a drugstore.

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy 30-day Smoothing Treatment, $14.99 at Ulta.

Clinique has a new tinted moisturizer, Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, which claims to be uber hydrating plus "just enough sheer coverage to make little imperfections disappear." Just in time for summer!

Also, apparently a trend in the beauty world is chopping your hair off and dying it platinum blonde. Look: 

Original examples-- Ashlee Simpson and Michelle Williams:

Now we have Kate Winslet and Katherine Heigl!!

What do you think of this new trend??

And in the meantime, you can go get some ROYAL NAILS!

Hahahhaa. Ooooooo geez...

Speaking of WANT-- look as these! They require no explanation....

EEEEE!!!!!!

**Just to keep you updated-- I'm currently working on reviews of Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum and also of Crest Whitestrips. Get excited!

Anything catch your eye lately? 

Until next time--

~Beauty Maven

Tried it Tuesday-- Fit Me! Choose me! Love me!

.... does that quote ring a bell to anyone? ;)

Today I am finally doing a review of Maybelline's Fit Me! foundation, concealer, and pressed powder. I wanted to give it a good week of trial before reporting back!

What it is:
Fit Me! Foundation, $7.99: A flawless foundation that lets the real you come through. No oils, no waxes, no nonsense. Exclusive translucent base and lightweight pigments allow skin's natural highs and lows to shine through. Contains SPF 18. 
Fit Me! Concealer, $6.49:  A concealer that goes beyond matching to fresh, breathing, natural skin. It's makeup that doesn't mess with you. (The rest is same as the foundation). 
Fit Me! Pressed Powder, $7.99: A powder with a flawless, natural finish. Natural coverage that leaves skin the way it was meant to be... fresh, breathing, flawless. 


There is also blush and bronzer, $5.49 each, but I really am not in need of more blush or bronzer so I held off on purchasing those~

This line is neat in that you find which foundation works for you, and then you pick up the other products in the same number and they all coordinate. Not exactly a new idea-- L'Oreal and CoverGirl have done this-- but it still is convenient!!

I love the packaging! Sleek and simple, but it has personality, too.

It has such a large mirror! Score!

For comparison: Foundation on left, bare skin on right. 

For comparison: Closeup of Foundation + Concealer on left, bare skin on right. 

Foundation + Concealer = Flawless!!

I always have such funny faces... Foundation + Concealer + Powder on left, bare skin on right. 

Go get all three of these. Now. 

I'm serious.

I've never liked a foundation as much as this one! First of all, let's consider the packaging. Nice, sleek bottle, and the opening is just small enough that you can put your finger over the top and do the "shake" thing to get the product on your finger, you know what I mean? Haha-- so nice to not have to use a Qtip or something. I also like that it's not shiny/shimmery, but it leaves your skin looking so polished and healthy. HOWEVER-- this formula does NOT contain anything for oil control, so if you have very oily skin, you might not prefer the liquid foundation, but rather the pressed powder. 

At Ulta and some Walgreens they have little sample vials on display where you can see which color works for you. For the love of Pete, do NOT test it on your hand-- your hand hardly ever matches your face-- simply find a mirror and try it on your jawline and forehead, and choose the one that appears to disappear. 

The concealer is to die for. I adore it-- it blends SO SEAMLESSLY!! The *only* complaint I have is that it settles into the crease under my eyes, but it does so after a few minutes, (say, the time it takes to do my mascara), and then I gently wipe it off and do a sweep of the pressed powder, and it doesn't happen again. Done.

The powder is great in that you put it on and your face doesn't look powdery and chalky. Although, it does tend to show my large pores, but I really think you can't get away from that with a powder. I haven't used it just by itself yet, but it is excellent for touch-ups throughout the day!

They seem to have a good range of shades, and the stores that carry it have great return policies, so keep your receipt and if the color doesn't match or you don't like it, exchange or take it back~

What do you think? What are you currently using? Wanting to try this one? Leave some thoughts! =)

Until next time--
~Beauty Maven

Note on the Leopard Nails~

Hey all-- so I've had a few comments about my leopard Sally Hansen nails. I'll have a guest review on an uberblog pretty soon, but as part of the feature I can't show the review anywhere else. =(

I will tell you-- I LOVE THEM. So I will keep you posted on when the review shows up on her blog!

I GOT MY BIRCHBOX!!!!!!

I had to do a special post for this because today I received my first BIRCHBOX!

What is Birchbox, you ask? Well, Birchbox is something to the effect of ShoeDazzle but for beauty items. Every month you receive a new box filled with deluxe samples! You take a little survey so they can cater the samples in the box to you, and they also have a great community website where you can share thoughts with other members and there are tips/tutorials, etc., and if you like a product you tried, you can easily go to the website and order the full-size product.

The best part? It's only $10 a month, no tax or shipping. Also, cancelling is easy.
((It's like Netflix for beauty addicts!!))

Here are pics!!

Straight from the mailbox-- Adorable!!

The actual box--- so fancy!!

Upon opening, there is a letter~

The letter reads:

Hi there, 

Is it spring yet? We don't know about you, but we're ready for a change -- and we don't just mean swapping cozy sweaters for springy frocks. This month is about taking everything to the next level, from your sinkside essentials to your makeup routine.

To start your upgrade, we're introducing you to better versions of your daily staples: an Italian toothpaste that will make you look forward to brushing your teeth and a luscious organic lip balm infused with aromatic essential oils. 

Change doesn't just mean trying out a new lip color (though we're all for that). Learn the ins and outs of self-tanning with our cheat sheet and learn how to get the most flattering brow shape for your face. Watch our video tutorial on how to get the dewy model look, or test-drive the matte lips trend. And we even have an upgrade for your iPod: a free download of the latest hit from stunning Danish singer Oh Land, this month's Birchbox Crush.

Happy playing,

Katia, Hayley, & the Birchbox Team 

On the flip side is a list of what is in the box, along with how big the full size products are, and how much they cost:

 I peeled back the tissue and found this!

..and inside the tied-up tissue..

The goodies all nestled in the box~

Initial thought?

OMG THE PACKAGING IS AMAZING.

Seriously, I felt like I was getting a super secret special gift. Whoever came up with the packaging definitely deserves a gold star. And a raise, haha!

I've read that this month was a little bit of a disappointment for some, but since this is my first box I didn't have many expectations. I would like more actual makeup samples, but maybe next month with deliver! I'm excited to try the Blow Thickening Mist and also the Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate.

As far as the freebie Brow Brush? I guess my brows aren't unruly enough to use a brush-- do any of you all use one in your routine?

Reviews to come! I might have to start posting more than once a day, haha!

Until next time--
~Beauty Maven

Mascara Monday- L'Oreal's Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

Bonjour!!

Hope you had a great weekend! Yesterday I went to Target and had a bit of a beauty haul.. do doo.. and helped a gal pick out hair color, haha! She was in the aisle and turned to me and said, "How do you know which one to choose?" So I started in... and by the end she had her color, AND I gave her a $3 coupon I had clipped that morning. The kicker was that I was in a baggy shirt and baseball cap (pink!) and she still took me seriously, haha!! Seriously though- I LIVE for when that happens! I love talking to people and helping. Mmm warm fuzzies. =)

**Also! Ulta is having their 21 Days of Beauty, which started Sunday. What is it? Each day they feature certain brands and have demonstrations and you can sign-up for applications and such. Also, there's a special discount on 1 product each day. I'll keep you updated at the beginning of each post, as follows:**

Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty, Day 2: Stila, Philosophy. Deal: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliners, buy one get one free. 


Anywho! Up for today is L'Oreal's Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara in Black Crystal, $10.99 at Walgreens.

What it claims:
A new two-step lengthening mascara professionally developed to illuminate your eyes.
   Step 1: Lengthen and Intensify. Adds volume and length to lashes while intensifying eyes.
   Step 2: The illuminating top coat infused with light-reflecting pearls highlight your eye color with 
   exclusive sphere tip brush.
Clump free, flake and smudge resistant. 


Let's take a look!

Sphere illuminator on left, base mascara on right. 

Mascara brush. (I love this brush!!)

Illuminator brush. More on this later. ;)

Without mascara. 

Without mascara.

Without mascara.

Just the mascara, no illuminator.

Just the mascara, no illuminator.

Just the mascara, no illuminator. (My wonky lashes on the right are me, not the mascara.)

Check out that definition!! 

Mascara with Illuminator on top. 

Bling Bling!

In the whole, I really like this mascara! I've worn it for a few days, and it is very easy to apply (notice the definition and no clumps!) and it stays fairly well. I did experience some flaking, and also I had to reapply before going out one night, but that still was a good 9 hours of wear. 

As far as the "illuminating" which I basically think is "glitter," haha-- I haven't quite made up my mind about this. I think a nice, glossy mascara is probably about as glitzy as mascara should get. It tends to come off more as eyeshadow that fell into your lashes than an intentional sparkle. It is kind of fun to add a little pizazz every so often, though. ;)

The brush for Step 1 is AMAZING. I really have to give L'Oreal credit for this-- all of their Double Extend mascaras are really decent formulas with great brushes. The brush for Step 2 is not so great on it's own, (see the review for Telescopic Explosion here), but as far as a brush to put another product on top of mascara? It works quite well. Something with the bristles and how they don't really match with the "normal" brush just.. works. Interesting! It also adds just a smidge more length~

It did a good job of lengthening, though not as much as I'd hoped from a lengthening mascara. However, the definition and lack of clumps made up for this! So many mascaras just don't do well at that. The volume was lacking, but it's not marketed for that so I can't hate on it. 

What do you think? Do you use mascaras that are catered to your eye color? Or just plain ol' brown or black? 

Until next time--

~Beauty Maven