Holy Grail Products....so far....

Holy Grail products are items that you have purchased and re-purchased and just can't seem to live without. Even when you cheat on them with the "new guys", they always embrace you when you come back for more. I always find it interesting to see different people's Holy Grail list...I think you can really come to know a person by the products that they love. It has also helped me in figuring out which Bloggers and Gurus I know I can trust, because we tend to love the same products! Here is my list of loves so far:

Cleanser: BeautiControl Spa Facial Purifying Cleansing Gel 
I just love this cleanser! It does not make my skin feel too tight after use and you only need to use a small amount of product. The other great news is that it is sulfate-free! It also comes in a foaming cleansing lotion for drier skin.

Hydrator: BeautiControl Spa Facial Defend & Restore Moisture Creme 
I have been using the creme in this line instead of the lotion because the winter here this year has been SO awful, my skin is just so terribly dry. I feels thick and creamy but absorbs quickly and does not interfere with foundation application. I recommend the creme for dry winter skin and the lotion for oily skin or summertime skin.

Exfoliator: Soap & Glory - Scrub Your Nose In It
This is actually a scrub and mask in one product! I use this almost every morning in the shower. If my skin needs an extra deep clean, i just leave it on for 2 minutes et voi la !


Lip Balm: Aquafina Lip Balm
This lip balm is definitely my fav'!  There is original (minty) and the Flavor Splash trio which are a fruity-mint mix. I always have one of these in my purse and find they provide great lip relief for dry cracked lips...it's also the minty taste that sucks me in!

Makeup Remover: MAC Cleanse Off Oil 
I have never used a makeup remover as amazing as this one! It takes absolutely EVERY stitch of makeup off my face no matter what! I use this on my face dry, do a quick rub-a-roo, rinse, and then follow with my gel cleanser. I don't think I can be without this product for as long as I wear makeup!

Concealer: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer
While this product is quite pricey, I do think it is actually worth it. It has a wonderful creamy (surprise!) texture, glides on and stays put. I use shade "Warm Ivory" under my eye area. I got the kit that comes with the setting powder. I don't really use the powder, but the concealer itself is a favorite. You need to use such a small amount of this product, it does last quite a long time so that helps justify the cost...to me anyway.

Lip Gloss: Rimmel Vinyl Gloss - Eastend Snob
This gloss is a pale pinky shimmer but with a nude undertone. You can put it over almost anything and wear it by itself for a very pretty lip as well. I have bought MANY of these but when I went to find it on the Rimmel website, the shade is no longer an option...ARGH...it may be discontinued!

Brow Pencil: Annabelle Eyebrow Pencil - Blond
I keep going back to this pencil as I find it very affordable, easy to use, and most importantly, a very good colour for my hair and skin tone. I think it lasts all day and doesn't really fade or move with normal wear.

Eye Shadow Primer: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
If you have never heard of this product before, trust me: Buy it, Use it, LOVE IT!!!


Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous 
If there is one product that I can not live without, it's mascara. Mascara was the very first makeup item that I was allowed to start using as a young teen. Being blond as well, my mom understood the importance of eye lashes! I have tried A LOT of different mascaras over the years but this one, more than any other cosmetic product, is my Holy Grail. I LOVE L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara. It does what it says, it stays where it should and the brush is easy to maneuver. I embraced Carbon Black when it came out and love it too. 
Recently, I bought and tried the Voluminous Millions version. It has the funky wand, and took about 1.5 weeks to "break in". I didn't think I liked it as much as the original, but after going back to use the original, I think I have decided that the Millions is my new fav'! If you want volume, lot's of volume, I highly recommend either of these mascaras. (I have tried the Collagen version and did not care for it at all)
 

Moroccanoil Shampoo and Conditioner Review and Rave!

So, when you see a review that has Moroccanoil in the title, you probably expect it to be about...well..the oil! This one is more of a product review and rave about the shampoo and conditioner...but I will tell you my thoughts on the oil as well.

Let me start by saying that I have purchased and used up about 3 bottles of the Moroccanoil itself. While I did enjoy this product (the smell, the absorb-ability, the smell...) I never really noticed dramatic results or any real differences in my hair that I EXPECTED to notice. I kind of fell away from buying the oil because it is a bit pricey and I couldn't justify buying it for the smell alone!

Last time I got my "hair-did" at the salon, my hairdresser used the Moroccanoil shampoo and  conditioner on me. I LOVED the smell, and decided to get myself some of the deliciousness for home use. Well, let me tell ya...

Honestly, in ALL the years of my naturally wavy, chemically treated, fuzzy hair existence, I have NEVER experienced products that worked so well so fast! The very first time I washed and conditioned, I blew dry my hair just using the dryer and a paddle brush. My hair was SO smooth and SO straight and soft! It could have passed for a quick flat iron job. I could not believe how amazing my hair felt and looked!

I absolutely LOVE this shampoo and conditioner combo. It is amazing, well worth the price, and yes smells totally awesome! This is what all the women I know will be getting for gifts over the next year of gift-giving as I want all of them to experience these products for themselves!

On a final note of positivity, these  products are sulfate-phosphate AND paraben free (the shampoo still suds up amazingly well) so go ahead and use without risk or guilt!

Mac Sheen Supreme Lipstick Giveaway

Five by Five is giving away 3 of the new MAC Sheen Supreme Lipsticks! The colour choices are awesome. Hurry over and enter her contest to win!

http://echosidestyle.blogspot.com/2011/03/mac-sheen-supreme-lipstick-giveaway.html

Multi-Foundation Review - Rimmel, Revlon and MUFE

Foundation...should be easy....SHOULD be...  I have tried a lot of different foundations over the past 18 (eek!) years. I have yet to find THE foundation. You know, that holy grail product that you re-purchased and re-purchase and can't live without. I may be getting closer though. I thought I would share my thoughts on a few that I have tried and purchased in the last couple of months.

First Worst: Rimmel Stay Matte
Well, I have to start by stating that this foundation is hardly a foundation! I can apply a decent amount of this and it is SO sheer, it just disappears! I have not worn a foundation this sheer since...well...moisturizer! I guess this is for a person that has perfectly even toned skin and is just looking for a very light tacky base for their blush to stick to. If you are looking a product that contributes to a more even skin tone, this is not the foundation for you. I do think it may have a slight matifying effect but it is ever so slight. Price ~ $10

 2nd: Revlon Colorstay
This foundation has a good light to medium coverage. I chose the oil-free as I have an oily T zone and like to control it as much as possible. It does not matify but at least does not ADD oil. It does seem to stay on well through the work day. The texture does go on smoothly and the color does not turn "orange" on me after all day wear. I do wish that this had a pump included as it is difficult to pour out just the right amount...I always end up wasting some on the back of my hand. Price ~ $20

Last Best: MUFE Mat Velvet +
So far, this is the best foundation I have used. I did go through a whole bottle and want to re-purchase. The coverage is medium to full-ish depending on your application and preference. Also, it actually does what it says it does, MATIFY! It is not too much though for dry cheeks or other drier areas. The texture is very smooth and easy to apply with fingers or a brush. The color does not change on my face during the day and does not fade with long wear. I still set this foundation with powder, but that is my preference. Some people may feel they do not need powder with this one...just personal choice as far as finish effect. Price ~ $30

Maybe after one more bottle of the MUFE, I will have found my holy grail foundation. Until then, I'll keep jaw swatching and crossing my fingers!

Audrey Dao's 2nd Blogaversary Extravaganza Giveaway

2nd Blogaversary Extravaganza Giveaway

Be sure to check out this Blog and subscribe to enter her fabulous contest! Leave some love in the comments for her!

Highlight your beauty, Open your heart.: Giveaway Time!

Highlight your beauty, Open your heart.: Giveaway Time!: Check out this awesome giveaway from Laura Holt!

Nina L'Elixir Review

I decided that I needed a new "get ready for spring" fragrance this month. I was out madly sniffing scents and coffee beans when I came across Nina L'Elixir. It was the bottle that drew me to it in the begining. It is so absolutely gorgeous! And then the fragrance.... this perfume is just as beautiful as it's packaging! 

According to the Nina L'Elixir site, it is a blend of sparkling fresh notes of calabrian lemon and caipirinha lime. Woody Amber notes give Nina L’Elixir an irresistibly sensual Oriental accord. Cedarwood, Cotton Musk, and warm Amber are the base notes. I am  attaching the Nina marketing video because it is very pretty and well done. Don't let the young girl in these ads turn you away...this fragrance is very sophisticated and is appropriate for any age!

I love this fragrance, and it's the first eau de parfume in a long time that has me excited! Hopefully you can try it. It was a great way to spend my Shopper's Optimum Points!