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Ah, Sephora – my favorite store! I never get out of there under $100 though. I remember when Sephora first came to Charlotte – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. It has sky rocketed in the retail world and has made a huge name for itself in their on-line sales as well. Of course, you can buy some of the same products at some big box retailers such as Belk and Nordstrom but I still prefer to shop at Sephora.
I am not a huge fan of Sephora’s brand of makeup and I thought I would post a few items that Paula Begoun states are great. Unfortunately, there are not that many. Maybe in the years to come they will focus more on the product and not the flashy product packaging!
Here is Paula’s review of Sephora – of course, you can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com
Sephora At-A-Glance
Strengths: Inexpensive; some good cleansers and makeup removers; the Blotting Papers; good powder foundation; the Light Touch Highlighter; Impressive blush and shiny eyeshadow options; great metallic finish eyeliner; awesome brow kit; bountiful selection of lipsticks and lip glosses; a couple of very good mascaras; several outstanding makeup brushes; the Luminizer shimmer lotion; testers are available in-store for each product, and sales pressure is practically nonexistent.
Weaknesses: Mostly average to below-average toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens; no options for those dealing with acne or skin discolorations; some SPF-rated products (including foundations) lack sufficient UVA-protecting actives; the lip plumper is too irritating; too many disappointing eye-makeup products, including several disappointing eyeliners and brow pencils; unappealing shimmer powders.
**The BEST Sephora makeup products by Paula Begoun**
>Extreme Lash Mascara ($14.00)
>Eye Dew – Liquid ($10.00)
>FACE Exfoliator & Mask, for Normal Skin ($12.00)
>FACE Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.00)
>Lengthening Mascara ($10.00)
>Long Lasting Metallic Eyeliner ($10.00)
>Luminizer Sephora ($22.00)
>Roll-Up Blotting Papers ($8.00)
>Sephora Brushes ($4.00-$40.00)
While I am not a fan of the brand bareMinerals, I do like some of their lip products. I just bought the bareMinerals Buxom Babes Tints ($28.00) at ULTA a few days ago and I am shocked at how much I love them. Now, they don’t really ‘plump’ as it says it will, but they do have something that feels like it plumping, but it is not. It’s a cool, refreshing feeling though and they come in 4 lightly scented flavors and my favorite – they are compact and easy to use – you don’t need a mirror! AND, believe it or not, you CAN wear all 4 colors. 
>Cherry Buxom (sheer poppy shine/ cherry-scented)
>Coco Buxom (sheer butter shine/ coconut-scented)
>Margarita Buxom (sheer raspberry shine/ berry-lime scented)
>Melonie Buxom (sheer fuchsia shine/ melon-scented)
I have a ton of lipsticks, lip gloss’ and lip stains. Of the many that I have tried over the years, I only have a few that I wear consistently. I’m always searching for a better one – one that really does stay put, not to sticky or slick, moisturizers, compact enough to fit in my pocket, easy to apply when you don’t have a mirror handy.
I found 2 that are great and I wear them almost every day. It’s amazing that not only are they really affordable but really do stay on.
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Gloss $8.95 ($4.99 at ULTA)
A lightweight lip gloss infused with moisturizing and nourishing Vitamin E and Omega 3 oils. This unscented formula leaves lips shiny and glossy with a hint of subtle shimmer. Does not contain an SPF.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Colour Riche Lip Gloss is L’Oreal’s best lip gloss, period! It has a silky yet moisturizing texture that imparts sheer to medium color (depending on the shade) and leaves lips with a glossy finish free of stickiness. The shades, including the goes-with-anything Rich Pink, are bound to please—and don’t be nervous about trying the deeper hues; each goes on softer than it appears.
I couldn’t agree more, it is SO moisturizing and the color stays on. I love this stuff!
L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss – $9.99
This lip gloss feels good and looks very pretty. It definitely stays on longer than most lip gloss but not for 6 hours like the ad says. Put it on with a light hand – otherwise, it will feel tacky after a while and will bleed. There are 16 shades. It does not contain an SPF. L’Oreal Colour Rich is more moisturizing.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss is the lip gloss partner to L’Oreal’s Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor. Like its lipstick partner, this gloss presents more problems than solutions. The triangle-shaped applicator would have been helpful in getting a precise application, except for the fact that it’s not stiff enough, making it a struggle to achieve an even application. The gloss applies sheer yet feels dry and tacky throughout its wearing time. It does stay on reasonably well through drinking and eating, but certainly does not last the promised six hours. The color starts to bleed into lip lines and wears off unevenly after a couple of hours, requiring reapplication or touch-ups throughout the day. The uncomfortable wear, combined with the need for frequent reapplication, makes this gloss not worth considering over better traditional lip gloss options from L’Oreal as well as from other lines.
I don’t completely agree that it is that bad, but it not of the same caliber of the Colour Riche.
M.A.C. SlimShine Lipstick – $14.50
Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Slimshine Lipstick is for women who prefer sheer, glossy colors. That’s exactly what this smooth, lightweight lipstick provides, and the color range is a smart blend of the trendy along with the tried-and-true. These slim lipsticks have a very glossy finish but aren’t the least bit sticky. They’re not much for longevity (and not for anyone prone to lipstick bleeding into lines around the mouth), but if those concerns don’t apply to you, this is another sheer lipstick to consider.
I love this lipstick. My only complaint is that the case doesn’t stay shut so sometimes I reach for it in my handbag and the top came off. Otherwise, it is super moisturizing and doesn’t bleed.
Don’t forget, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
My Mom and I spent the day shopping this past Sunday – a ritual that we are trying to do every few months. While I was in another store, she popped into Bath & Body and purchased the Anti-Aging Starter Kit by Patricia Wexler, M.D. I wish I could have been there to tell her to ‘wait’ until I show her the facts. But, I promised her I would give her the review from Paula Begoun on this. So far Mom loves the products and like I always say, if you enjoy a product then by all means keep using it.
Paula Begoun is co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]). Here is Paula’s review of my Mom’s products.
I HIGHLY recommend that you read Paula’s review on this entire product line and the background of Patricia Wexler, M.D.
At-A-Glance
Strengths: Good selection of well-formulated moisturizers and serums; two highly recommended cleansers; good topical disinfectant with benzoyl peroxide.
Weaknesses: Moderately expensive; at-home AHA peel provides more irritation than help for skin; all lip products contain potent irritants; one sunscreen lacks UVA-protecting ingredients; no non-irritating salicylic acid products for acne-prone skin; skin-lightening product is alcohol-based; jar packaging.
Here is Paula’s full review of the M.A.C product line in general. You can read all her other reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
When it comes to skin care you may be tempted to dismiss the small assortment M.A.C. offers and skip right to their makeup with its well-earned positive reputation. But doing so would mean missing a handful of beautifully formulated products that are worth trying. By no means is M.A.C.’s skin-care line one-stop shopping (at least not if you have blemishes, skin discolorations, or require more than a couple options per category), but you’ll find more than just the color products impressive here, and the prices aren’t unreasonable either!
Here is Paula Begoun’s review of the “Best” Concealers. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
According to Paula, there are lots of good concealers available in all price ranges, the options below represent the elite, whether you prefer a liquid formula (generally best for normal to oily skin or for use on blemishes) or cream formula (generally best for normal to dry skin not prone to blemishes or for undereye use).
Each concealer below has a beautiful texture, provides moderate to significant coverage without looking thick or cakey, and has an impressive wear time with minimal to no risk of creasing into lines around the eye.
Paula does not recommend color-correcting concealers because they rarely (if ever) look convincing in natural light, and they often substitute one visible discoloration for another. Read the rest of this entry »
I had lunch on Saturday with my Mom and my step-sister and we were chatting about the crazy products I use (or not use). I recently started to use a great makeup remover in addition to my old stand by, Vaseline”. Yep, I use Vaseline to take off my mascara and eye makeu
p. My Mom thinks I’m nuts but I swear by it. I let it soak in for a minute and the mascara comes right off – no pulling or tugging or loss of lashes and it conditions them to boot! I also use Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I swear by these. They are the consistency of baby wipes. They are a little too pricey, but I’ll pay for them anyway. I make a clean swipe with the towelettes and then use Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover to get a good deep clean, like around my nose and chin. Viola – that’s it!
Here are Paula Begoun’s review of the “Best” and “Very Good” Makeup Removers. I did not add the “Okay” or “Average”. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
According to Paula, the makeup removers below are all fragrance-free and do not contain ingredients known to be irritating when used around the eyes. Whether you choose a detergent- or silicone-based product, all of the options below work quickly and efficiently with minimal effort. Keep in mind that a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover works great for taking off stubborn eyeliner or waterproof mascara at lash roots, and is easier to control than a cotton pad. Read the rest of this entry »
Another new favorite buy! I just purchased Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in “Brandi” – price $18.00 a few days ago.
I am a freak about lip glosses – I have more than I know what to do with. I’ve tried tons of brands and there are only a few that I really love (MAC is #1 for me), but Buxom Lips is amazing. It is wonderful. It’s not sticky and goes on very smooth and is super moisturizing – and the kicker – I can apply it without a mirror! I plan on buying some more of this stuff.
What is it calculated to do: Naturally creates the look of fuller, more voluptuous lips. This mineral-infused polish imparts a luminous high shine with no sticky or tacky feeling. A deep infusion of antioxidant vitamins A and E help keep lips soft, smooth, and protected, while the tingly and cooling sensation reminds you that your lips are getting an immediate increase in fullness.
Krystal – high shine clear
Amber – soft shimmering peach
Bambi – shimmering warm pink
Brandi – shimmering deep rose
Candi – shimmering soft berry
Dolly – shimmering muted plum
Ginger – shimmering copper rose
After doing some research, I finally decided to purchase Lip Fusion.
One word - AMAZING! I have tried several other brands (Duwop and Fat Cat) and this stuff is my favorite by far. Lip Fusion does NOT contain cinnamon or menthol which cause the lip mucous to swell temporarily. Lip Fusion uses active collagen which makes plumping painless. You can use it daily alone or with other lipsticks.
I bought the colors “Dream” and “Glow”. They are not cheap – $38.00 a piece but so worth it. Buy Here!
My camera is on the fritz – otherwise I’d show you a picture of my before and afters. Love this stuff!
Here is a breakdown of MAC’s foundation codes that I found on www.sokissandmakeup.com. To understand how MAC names their shades, here is a breakdown of MAC’s foundation codes:
|
SHADE |
C | NC | N | NW | W |
| “Cool” | “Neutral Cool” | “Neutral” | “Neutral Warm” |
“Warm” |
|
|
MATCH |
Yellow-Golden Olive Skin | Golden Beige Skin | Beige Skin | Pink Beige Skin | Pinkish Skin |
To determine what your undertones are, take a look at the underside of your forearm. If your vein looks more blue, then you most likely have pinkish undertones. If your vein looks more greenish, then you have more yellow or golden undertones. The number that follows the letter(s) denotes the depth of the shade. The higher the number, the deeper the color.
FINDING THE RIGHT CONCELEAR <>Slightly yellowish concelears will help to cancel out and cover up dark purpleish/blueish undereye circles. <>Slightly greenish toned concealers will help to cancel out any reddish tones in your skin caused by acne, or other skin condition
Here’s another great video I found on depotting – sans heat. I’ve tried this and it works. Just takes a little patience!
I found a great tutorial from EnKore Makeup on youtube.com which shows you how the MAC artist’s create those face charts. I suggest buying some nice paper at your local craft store (try Michaels). Don’t use too heavy linen paper, the makeup will smudge into the paper. Also, remember – don’t ever use makeup pencils or any liquid on the paper – always use brushes!
Here are some inspirations….M.A.C. Looks
Free Mac Face Charts – DOWNLOAD HERE!
I posted some of my favorite products a few days ago and I was reluant to post about the Urban Decay Primer Lotion that I just bought (well, actually it had not arrived yet) and I needed to try it out first.
I saw the Primer Lotion on Kenzie Kate’s Blog and thought I’d try it. Well, let me just say ~ OMG, OMG, OMG! This stuff rocks! It really DOES exactly what it says. I am highly impressed.
You can buy it at Sephora for $14.00
Primer Potion Packaged in a precious, genie-like bottle, Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an ultra-sheer, totally nude eye base that glides on with the wave of a wand and then disappears instantly. It’s the ultimate eye prep for smoother, longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow.
To use: Apply and let dry before putting on your favorite eyeshadow shades.
While I lay in bed the other night watching the hilaroius “anal probe” episode of Southpark it occurred to me that I need to order some more lip primer from MAC. Not sure why at that particular moment it popped into my head, perhaps it was my daily mental download before counting sheep. So, of course, I had to jump out of bed and log on and purchase it ~ no need to wait another 24 hours before they deliver it (wink!).
Although it does make sense to just stop by the mall and pick some up, but who are we kidding ~ one trip in there turns into $500 later.
As most of my girlfriends know I am a product junkie (I especially have a weak spot for lipsticks and lip gloss). As much money as I have spent over the years on products there are a few that are tried and true and I’ll never give them up. I thought I’d share them with you…
Maybe you already use them, or maybe you will try them now. One thing is for sure, I love, love, love ‘em:
MAC Lip Primer ~ $14.00
I love MAC products. This is a colour-free base to wear under lipstick. It adds light moisture, smoothes and refines the lips and it improves the appearance of applied lip products. Note: This is NOT a moisturizer – it’s a base. Let it dry for about 30 sec and apply lipstick. I swear it will stay on forever (or at least a long time). I haven’t found any other lip primer (even some name brands that I have used) that compare.
MAC Prep & Prime ~ $20.00
Another MAC product that I love. It’s an ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder. It’s great alone or with some powder or foundation over it. It’s super light.
Aveeno Positively Smooth Lotion ~ $7.99
I love this lotion. It helps you shave less often and it really works. I just wish it came in a bigger bottle. In the summertime I use it on my bikini area, yeah baby ~ it works.
Aveeno Lip Protectant ~ $2.99
This stuff is great. I use it all the time.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve 0.8 oz ~ $5.50
This lip balm was created in 1892. It’s hard to find. I mix it with some of my other lipsticks to create a “new” color. It’s so moisturizing you can put it on your cuticles and burns too. Love it, love it, love it!
Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF45 ~ $9.99
I can’t say enough great stuff about this product. I have super sensitive skin and I always make sure I get sun screen products that say “PABA FREE” (that’s the stuff that makes your skin hate you). The ultrasheer is so amazing. I use it as a primer before I put on any makeup. I wear it year round.
Bliss Hot Salt Scrub with Rosemary + Eucalyptus ~ $36.00
It’s a little pricey, but it will last a long time. I bought some and I used it every day it lasted 6 months. It’s just fabulous. I haven’t found a “generic” product yet that compares.
GoSMILE Advanced Formula B1 ~ 20 capsules ~ $89.00
Yeah it’s steep, but these suckers work! If you use them twice a day you will see major improvement – seriously. They are also great to just give you a boost if you need it (after a meal, maybe). It takes all of 10 seconds to apply and it does NOT hurt one bit. I have exposed nerves on some of my gums and almost anything hurts my teeth – not these though.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Lotion 16 fl oz ~ $34.00
How can you not love Philosophy products. The Amazing Grace collection just smells incredible – so light and fresh and feminine. The shower gel is wonderful too ~ $22.00.
Philosophy Hope In a Jar ~ $35.00
This is a therapeutic moisturizer for dry sensitive skin. This stuff is a miracle. It was originally intended for skin after surgery. Go buy some. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum 1.7 fl oz ~ $18.99
Love this stuff. It really does make your skin smoother and softer. No need to wait until I am past my prime to start taking care of my skin.
Creative Nail Design Solar Oil Conditioner ~ $8.99
Don’t laugh ~ this stuff is great especially when we’re on a road trip. My nails can get very dry and I always keep this stuff with me. They have a “mini” version too which is great to put in your handbag.
Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Cream ~ $4.99
Nothing like the smell of a baby. This stuff is great. I use it on my feet too ~ it’s not too greasy so when you put on your pumps, sling back, etc. you feet won’t slide around but they will be moisturized.
