December 27, 2009

Review: Fresh Supernova vs. Firebird mascara

I have had the Magic Wands Mini Mascara Duo for about 1.5 weeks, and I have gotten a chance to experiment and play around with them and here is a quick comparison.



Firebird
$26
3.8 out of 5 stars on sephora.com
Sephora Exclusive
Alcohol-Free
Available in: Firebird(jet black)
ACTIVE INGRDEIENTS-
-Seabuckthorn Berry Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides): A rich, nourishing oil enriched with a high concentration of omega-7 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and natural waxes. It helps to condition the lashes and is extracted from the yellow-orange fruits of the seabuckthorn shrub native to Europe and Asia.
-Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Fortifying and moisturizing, it penetrates deep into the hair shaft to strengthen, nourish, and help prevent damage. Panthenol smoothes the hair cuticle, detangles, and enhances shine. It is also known as vitamin B5.
-Red Algae Extract (Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea Extract): Helps to strengthen and protect the lashes. It is rich in minerals from the sea such as magnesium, calcium, manganese, and zinc, which deliver nourishment to the lashes, giving them strength and thickness. Red algae extract is cultivated off the coast of Brittany, France.
ACCORDING TO LAB RESULTS-
-Lashes are 44% fuller (voluminous.)
-Lashes have 34% more eye-opening curve.
-Lashes have 11% more visible length.

Supernova
$25
4.3 out of 5 stars on sephora.com
Alcohol-Free
Available in: black
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS-
-Nourishing Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Conditions the lashes and adds shine.
-Protective Linden Bud Extract: Strengthens lashes.
-Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Fortifies the lashes and prevents breakage.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfate
- Synthetic Dyes
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates

My thoughts
I really like them both and at first it was difficult to choose what I liked best. One day, I decieded to wear supernova alone, the next firebird alone. Then I layered, did one of each, and that day I saw the difference. Firebird give me much longer lashes, which on me can be good or bad since my lashes are naturaly long. Supernova does a better job at volumizing. I love them both and the winner is....


Overall pick: Supernova

December 20, 2009

Reivew: Ultra CHI flat iron

HighestTemp. 370F
Temp. Control No
Curl & Flip Hair Yes
Ceramic plates Yes
Tourmaline plates No
Weight 1.44lb
Warranty 1 year
Price $119.95
Free gift Pouch 2 CHI polishes

Flat Iron Product Features:


Ceramic Heat
Professional salon model
Moist ceramic heat with ceramic plates and coils
Ceramic will maintain even temperature all the time
Ceramic will produce negative ions
Seals the cuticle
Repels humidity
Locks in hair color and resists fading
Ceramic heat will ensure the penetration of the silk molecules to the hair
Traditional copper coil can cause more damage and dry the hair
Ergonomically Designed

10 foot heavy duty electrical cord
360 degree swivel cord to prevent tangling
On-Off switch on the side for easy access
Lightweight design
Fits in a standard curling iron station
Power

Flash quick heating
Saves energy - CHI only uses 20-25 watts of electricity
Versatile

Versatile "all in one" ergonomic design
For straight looks
Flips
Curls
Crimping

NOTE: Works in USA and Canada with 110 voltage. Converter can NOT be used.

Warnings and Precautions

When not in use, "unplug it." Do not use while bathing. Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not use near, place in, or drop into water or other liquid. If appliance falls into the water, "unplug it" immediately - do NOT reach into the water. Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer. Do not wrap cord around appliance. As with most electrical appliances, electrical parts are electrically live even when the switch is off.

CHI Warranty Details

Farouk Systems Inc, offers a guarantee of one (1) year from date of purchase against defects caused by faulty material or workmanship. Not covered by the guarantee are steel parts, plastic parts, flex cord as well as damages caused by improper handling.

Picture credit: kaboodle.com
Block text info credit: Folica.com

December 14, 2009

Review: Huge Lips Skinny Hips Gloss

As you may know, I recently took a trip to NYC! While I was there, I wanted to go to Scoop NYC because they sell PurpleLabNYC glosses! I went into Scoop, and asked one of the sales associates where they were. She took me to they display of the glosses. Here are the colors:
Kitty Pole Dancer
No Panty Lines
Lychee Martini
Love your thighs
Red Sole
Worship Kate

Each color has a creme brule scent, and a sheer color pay off. You can purchase them for $25 here. Now, if you don't know why it's called Huge Lips Skinny Hips, its because it is a lip plumper with an appetite suppressant called Hoodia. A few key ingredients are:
Meadow foam- binds moisture to your skin
Lemon peel oil- Keeps your lips from stinging, gives off a cooling sensation
Vitamin B3- Stimulates blood flow to the lips, therefore giving you a natural plump
Orange Peel Extract- Natural metabolism booster
Hoodia- All natural plant extract from South Africa and Nambia
P57- In hoodia;targets the part of the brain that tells you when you’re full by mimicking the effects of sugar

Some other important facts:
0.17oz/5g
$25
Paraben Free

Have you ever tried a lip plumper, and what was your experience?

December 7, 2009

Tip du Jour: Clean Makeup Brushes

Hi ladies. Today I am going to take you step by step through cleaning your makeup brushes. There are two different ways to clean your brushes; spot and deep cleaning. I spot clean my eye brushes after each use, and I deep clean all of my brushes once a week. It is a good idea to invest in a good makeup brush spot cleaner. I use the Clinique makeup brush cleanser for spot cleaning, and the Bare Escentuals well-cared for brush conditioning shampoo for deep cleaning. You can purchase them both at Sephora. Purchase the Deep cleanser at Sephora. Purchase the spot cleanser at Clinique. It's not too easy to use my camera to take pictures while cleaning brushes, so I will link you to 2 different videos by juicystar07 and EnKoreMakeup, and I follow the methods they use.

You will need:
Spot cleaner
Deep cleaner (baby shampoo, olive oil, or depp cleaning shampoo)
Sponge
Olive Oil
Dirty brushes
Sink
Paper towel
Wash cloth

Tips to remember:
-When cleaning a dome brush, clean in circular motions.
-You will know your brush is clean when no more product comes off the brush.
-Don't deep clean your brushes right before doing your makeup.
-Make sure you don't get your brush wet below the end of the bristles, because it will rust.


December 3, 2009

Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Bath and Body Works
$6 True Blue Spa Travel Size Body Scrub
- This is especially great for the dry skin I know I get in the winter without spending money on a pricey exfoliator!

Sephora
$15 Sephora Brand Makeup Palette To Go - Warm Tones
- This is a great inexpensive palette for beginners or for a stocking stuffer! It is avilable in warm or cool tones to fit your want!

MAC
$18 Jingle Jangle dazzleglass
- This color will work on any skin tone for every day use, to sultry night looks! It is the perfect pinky red toned gloss that will look great!

Lush
$19.95 Best Wishes Holiday Set
- Perfect for the festive one in your life! This holiday exclusive set comes with four holiday themed bath bombs!

Forever 21
$9.80 Pleated Stripe Scarf
- This warm toned scarf is sure to add that extra something to a tee shirt and jeans!