24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil

Ok ladies, I may have just discovered the HG of eyeliners- Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil.  While I am not typically a black eyeliner girl, I decided to give it a try after being inspired by the lovely ladies on the set of Gossip Girl.  I usually have problems with the black overwhelming my small eyes but not with this creamy pencil! The pencil goes on smoothly and allows a few minutes of "smudge time" before setting.  Once it is set this liner does NOT and I repeat does NOT budge.  To give this pencil the test of all tests, I decided to swipe it on before hitting the gym for a cardio session.  Typically if I wear any type of eyeliner it is all over my face by the time I get done running.  So this afternoon I hesitantly stepped of the treadmill and headed over to the mirror to do the dreaded post workout face check and.....nothing, absolutely nothing. My liner and mascara looked as if it had just been applied, I was stunned. After finding this liner, black eyeliner may become a staple in my beauty routine.  I purchased 24/7 in an inky black shade called Zero but it comes in lots of fun colors including an aquamarine called Electric and a midnight purple called Lust.  I can definitely say I will be running to Ulta soon to scoop up a few more shades!

Get your own 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil here

Photo Credit: Urban Decay.com

Kat Von D

I have to say that celebrity products are not ones that typically catch my attention as it seems that everyone has something to sell these days, however Kat Von D's new limited collection really caught my eye.  While I don't typically wear red lipstick (the signature product in her line) I love her True Romance eyeshadow palettes, especially Ludwig which consists of colors from black to brown and everything in between.  The palette is designed to create a customized smoky eye whether that is green, gold, brown or black.  The shadows are silky smooth and last surprisingly long and seriously, could the case be cuter. Smashbox black with adorable silver rose designs, inspired by one of Kat's tattoos.  The palette comes in two colors, Ludwig (pictured above) and Beethoven (consists of more blues and greys).  It is not very often that you find an eyeshadow palette with such a wide variety of colors, it is the perfect fool-proof smokey eye tool, as Kat has already given you all of the colors necessary.  This product is definitely on my summer "must have" list!

Pick up your own True Love Eyeshadow Palette at Sephora

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

Get toned while you sleep

One of my sorority sisters uses the original Fat Girl Slim cream religiously and swears by it's dimple diminishing ingredients, so after giving the night time version a smell I decided to give it a try.  To be honest I was quite skeptical of a cream that claims to tone...I though only the elliptical could do that! The first night I applied  the product I was calmed by the faint smell of lavender, it was soothing and made me feel sleepy.  The cream is very smooth and absorbs quickly; I rubbed for the instructed 2 minutes, threw my pjs on and hopped into bed.  The next morning I didnt notice any huge differences, however my skin was very smooth.  Tonight when I opened my jar of Fat Girl Sleep I was dismayed to find that it was almost empty, I have become accustomed to falling asleep smelling so yummy! Since my jar was almost empty I decided to examine the skin on my "trouble areas" in order to evaluate the product and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised.  While there is no "plastic surgery" difference, the skin on my thighs definitely looks smoother and tighter.  The 6 oz jar has lasted me a little bit more than 2 weeks, while the cream is rather pricey at $38, it is worth a try, especially for those of us who like a quick fix!

Photo Credit: Bliss World

The Foundation Diaries: Cargo Oil Free Foundation

Besides the current series I am working on with self-tanners, I have also been testing out several new foundations and this one is on my list!  Cargo's oil free foundation sounds perfect for hot summer days.  This foundation claims to remain matte even in the most extreme circumstances and it also comes in a wide variety of shades which should match just about any skin tone.  I have had a long love affair with Cargo products, among my favorites is their bronzer...I just love the unique, simplistic packaging.  The oil free foundation seems to be no exception.  The foundation comes in a plastic envelope type package with a screw on lid, this container makes the product incredibly portable.  I can't wait to try it!

Check it out here

Photo Credits: Sephora

Korres Gets Ready for Summer!

As I am sitting in my bed, simultaneously, watching Bones, deep conditioning, perusing Sephora.com and blogging, I came to the conclusion that I have not truly made the move from spring makeup to summer makeup, heres where Korres comes in. This amazing set, entitled Mediterranean Sun Color Collection looks perfect for those hot summer days when full on makeup is just too much. The kit includes illuminating bronzer, cherry full color lip gloss and the line's signature deep color mascara. I have been a fan of Korres for awhile now, their products are not only 100% natural but they also perform...and trust me ladies, I have high standards! While I do not yet own this kit (its just a matter of time!) I have tried the mascara and the lip color and love both of them. The mascara is extremely hydrating, does not flake and provides intense color...oh and it smells like olive oil. The lip gloss is super moisturizing, not sticky with just a hint of color and a great cherry flavor. The bronzer looks amazing too and I can't wait to try it. It contains Monoi oil which is meant to hydrate the skin and provide a "glow". Oh and the best part about this kit? It comes with an adorable bag with a giant sun flower on the front...perfect for carrying all of your summer must-haves!

Get your own Korres Mediterranean Sun Color Collection Kit here

Photo Credits: Sephora

Wallet Friendly Wednesdays: Mac Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

After reading several reviews of Mac's Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, I had to try it.  Even the descriptions did not live up to the actual product itself.  This stuff is seriously Holy Grail worthy! The texture is a little bit softer than sand but its also rather sticky, it does not drip at all which is a plus! The more you rub the product in the more the ash dissolves, leaving a creamy, foamy cleanser.  The cleanser rinses away easily and leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and surprisingly moisturized.  I have tried so many facial exfoliators, especially in the summer because my skin is so oily, but this one is by far the best! 

Photo Credit MAC

Tanagement

As I mentioned in my last post, I have recently stumbled across several natural, paraben free tanners.  Nature's Gate Tanagement is one of my new favorites! It is a gradual tanner that provides extremely natural color.  While it doesn't smell great, the scent disappears within five minutes.  I noticed a small change in color after the first application, however after the second I looked like I had just come back from a tropical vacation! Also, the fact that it has no parabens is always a plus for my sensitive skin!

Check it out here

Photo Credits Naturesgate.com

Banana Boat Disappointment

As the second "faux-glow" product I have tried, I thought this would be my favorite after all of the great reviews I read about it.  I was very disappointed.  I loved the custom color dial and the smell faded quickly, however, it left hardly any color on my skin.  I have fair, Irish skin and so I bought the lotion designed for "light" skin.  You would honestly have to be pale as a ghost for this product to tan your skin.  Even on the darkest setting I hardly developed a tan.  I attempted to find lotion for darker skin but after stops at several Targets I have still been unable to find it. Overall I wouldnt recommend this lotion unless it is the first time you are using tanner and you need to build a good base.  Don't worry though today I found several amazing paraben free self tanners at my local Whole Foods that Im going to give a try soon!

sunless tanner of the day

Ok so I have finally decided to give up tanning in a bed.  Not that I have a habit or anything, I typically only use it before major events.  Anyways, I have decided to dedicate the next few posts to sunless tanners in order to complete my quest for the holy grail of tanning lotions.  I will include both tanning creams as well as gradual tanning lotions.  My first review is Loreal Sublime Bronze Gelee.  This particular product caught my attention because of the unique gel formula and I have to say it worked fairly well.  It provided very natural color overnight.  My only qualm is that the gel form takes forever to dry and leaves your skin feeling sticky for at least an hour- which made me worry about getting it on clothing and sheets.  Overall though a very good tanner, particularly for those who want a deep color, quickly.

Underarmy?

So on my weekly perusal of sephora.com I stumbled across this minty little treat! This menthol based deodorant cools the delicate underarm skin as well as acts as an antiperspirant. I tried it this morning and so far I am pleased with the results, however I did not get a chance to work out today so I havent been able to test it under intense conditions, however, it works very well for everyday, plus the slight tingle upon application is very refreshing!

Hope in a Tube

In an effort to conserve my hard earned summer cash, I have resorted to using the thousand of products that I have under my sink. One of my most recent finds is Hope in a Tube, this nifty cream doubles as an eye and lip cream. The cream is designed to prevent and reduce the fine lines that appear around eyes and lips. I love the light texture of this cream, also it absorbs in record time which makes it perfect for underneath makeup. In only a week of use I have noticed that my undereye area appears brighter and smoother! This cream is definitely a keeper!