I'm back - upcoming posts, and the best drugstore beauty products?

I'm baaaa---aaaaack.  and I have red hair now.

Hi, beauty lovers.

I took a (LONG) break from blogging here to focus on some other things in life, and found myself missing it.  So, here I am.

While I am no longer officially working in a beauty advisor capacity for Macy's (that period of life was lovely fun, but naturally ended as things evolved), it's still a major love and hobby.  I have amazing friends who work in the beauty industry, and they keep me well-informed, and I plan to feature some of them shortly!

So, in upcoming posts, we'll have some recommendations for primers, cleansers, hair products and more...and of course, if you have any questions, send them my way, happy to post!

In the meantime, Influenster just posted some videos on their top drugstore beauty finds under $10 - check those with links below if you're interested.

10 Best Drugstore Concealers

10 Best Drugstore Mascaras

10 Best Drugstore Foundations

I admit I haven't tried any of these products, but if you're on a budget or need to grab something quickly at the drugstore, these could be good places to start!

More to come...

xoxo
jess

Happy New Year: 15 for 2015

While I've already written about a plethora of products that I enjoyed this past year, I've been lucky enough to try quite a few others that haven't made it to the blog just yet.  Some I loved, some...not so much.  Quick thoughts on those below...here are 15 products for 2015!

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation 

In a word...nope. Not for me, anyway.  This foundation was watery, looked yellow on me (either the tones are very yellow or it oxidizes weirdly), and didn't do anything for my skin.   


2. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation

In another word...still, nope. Still yellowy. This one is thicker and more long-wear, and I did like the finish better than the first, but it was still not flattering.


3. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Foundation

My girl at our Chanel counter (Meray) was sweet enough to do my makeup for our holiday photos, and she used this foundation.  I've tried it a couple of times now and it's pretty spot on.  My only (small) issue is that I seem to be between two colors, but that's my problem.  The foundation itself is great. Good coverage, long wear. Highly recommend. $57


4. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner & Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

I love Chanel's eye makeup overall.  This liner goes on smoothly and stays on, and comes in great shades.  The eye shadows come in gorgeous in-style shades with lots of pigment - they also stay on, especially with a good eye primer.  I had some people ask how to get the eyes I had on in my holiday photos..well, these are how.  Liner $32, shadow quads $61


5. Chanel Lotion Douceur Toner - Balance + Anti Pollution

Everyone knows I adore a good toner, and this one is pretty excellent.  I can wash my face at night really well, wake up in the morning and use this, and it still brings off dead skin and other buildup from products.  It doesn't feel astringent at all; it's very gentle. Definitely recommend...and the bottle is really big. $45


6. Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer

When I ran out of primer, I decided to give this one a whirl. It fills in fine lines and pores for a very smooth, perfected look, and it does help my foundation last longer.  Some other primers offer a bit more benefit, like anti-aging, sun protection, or color correction, so I can't say this is the BEST primer, but at $35, it's really affordable and worth the cost.


7. Clarisonic Brush Head Collection

I am already obsessed with the Clarisonic (refer to earlier blog post), and was excited to learn that changing the brush head type actually makes a pretty big difference.  I decided to go with the deep pore cleansing brush, and was a little skeptical about it feeling very different - and I was happily proven wrong.  Brushes are $27 to $30; they recommend changing every 3 months, but they really last at least 6 months for me. Brushes are available for sensitive skin, delicate cleansing, radiance, deep pore, and acne.


8. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup

Mixed feelings on this - great if you want a little coverage/evening, but prefer the "no makeup" look and feel.  Very sheer and fairly invisible.  I personally like a hair more coverage, but if you're into this look/feel, it's a good product. $37


9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder

I have to buy powder once every 2 years (maybe), and this time around, I went with Double Wear.  Goes on smooth, doesn't dry out, stays on.  That's what most of us need from a powder compact, right?  DW is enough coverage to be worn alone if you prefer, as well...but I use only a tad for touch ups. $40


10. Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash

While I am not super picky about cleansers, I prefer not to use drugstore brands (too harsh or drying), and I like something that smells fresh, works well in hands or with the Clarisonic, and cleans everything off my face! This cleanser fits the bill, and since Origins is all natural, I feel good about using it.  It helps balance combination skin.  It's also great for men, dissolving dirt and oil without a feminine scent. $21.50


11. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

I knew this mask had a bit of a cult following, and now I know why.  The Origins description really says it best:  When environmental toxins, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature’s complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental toxins, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that “stuff” down there, skin “breathes a sigh of relief.” And...it works.  I use it once a week and have noticed a marked difference. In fact, I think I'll use it today. $25


12.  Origins Modern Friction Nature's Microdermabrasion

Another product with a big following...and I'm a fan. Again, I love the Origins info:
Here’s age-smoothing exfoliation without irritation. Skin-refining Rice Starch, cushioned in cream, shows real affinity for rapidly removing sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolorations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Another age-sweeping action: skin-menacing molecules are mopped up. All while Aloe keeps skin calm and comfy. There’s no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size. Skin looks polished, smooth and luminous. And the perk-me-up aromas of Bergamot and Peppermint help you look on the bright side. Best for all skin types.  Couldn't have said it better.  It lives in my shower now. $39.50


13. Origins High Potency Night-a-Mins 

While this night cream isn't quite as moisturizing as some heavier options, it does moisturize - but it really brightens, I notice a difference in the morning.  It's most definitely like a vitamin dose for your face. Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature's famed night cream is fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. While relaxing aromas lull you to sleep, skin sloughs away dry, dead layers. Deletes dullness. 98% of those who tested it agreed-skin was renewed and refreshed in the AM. Helps the slumber deprived wake up on the bright side of the bed. $41


14.  Origins Blade Runner Energizing Shave Cream

 

For the men out there, Origins makes a cream shave that my husband has decided is pretty fantastic. It creates a friction-free shave so the razor isn't pulling the hairs and smells nice.  Also has some skin boosting ingredients...good for those men who refuse to use moisturizer, right?  (And yes, I use my husband as a test subject for men's products) $16


15. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion

Last, but certainly not least, eye primer has become a must-have for anyone who wears eye makeup. I gave my sister some for Christmas, and these are her words to me: "You weren't kidding about that Urban Decay eye primer. I used it last night for my NYE eye makeup, and it looked like I had just put it on when I woke up this morning! Sparkly eyes first thing in the morning. And yes, I went to bed with my makeup on. It was NYE. Sue me."  That says is all, right? $20, and the small tube will last a long time. 


There we have it.  2015. Fifteen product reviews.  Any favorites here, ladies (and gents)?

J.

Clinique Favorites: November 2014

Continuing in the favorites vein, I thought I'd post a few recommended products from the Clinique line - they have some good holiday gift sets, so it may be worth considering.  Clinique is formulated to be hypo-allergenic and good for people with really sensitive skin.  I admit I don't use many of their products, as they seem to work best for very young skin...i.e. teens to early 20s.  However, I know people of all ages who seem to love it, and the price point is lower than other counter brands.

Three favorites:

1. Fresh Bloom All-over Colour: Love this stuff.  It comes in three flattering shades (pink, nude, plum tones) that go on lightly to give a sheer/subtle flush of color without being too bright.  I love some dramatic blush, but when I need some easy color, this is a go-to. $30

2. Perfectly Real Foundation. Natural finish, medium coverage, oil free, non-acnegenic. Comes in LOTS of shades.  Love the coverage and the fact that it doesn't feel heavy. $26 

3. High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara.  If you like dramatic lashes, this is definitely worth checking out - this is a thickening formula with a rubber bristle brush to separate lashes.  The effect is not quite as natural as some mascaras, but it's definitely dramatic, giving BIG lashes. $16.50

Am I missing anything you love from Clinique, folks?

Estee Lauder Favorites - November 2014

I've spent a significant amount of time helping out at our Estee Lauder counter lately, as they are making some team changes. This has allowed me time to try some current Lauder products and develop a few favorites!  If you haven't tried any, these should be on your list:

1. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil. 12 Hour Wear, water resistant.  This liner comes in a variety of awesome shades (add a light line of color to your eyes above your normal black/brown for a great new look - rose gold or silver, maybe?), goes on easily and smoothly (you don't have to press down hard), and best of all - it lasts.  $22 each, and I highly recommend the $8 double sharpener Estee makes to keep it in A+ shape.

 

2. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation. 15-hour wear, stays on through heat, humidity, activity. Won't smudge onto clothes.  Though it IS long wear, it does not feel heavy. Medium coverage. Looks great on just about every person I've tried it on - and it comes in a lot of shades so you can get a perfect match. $37

3. Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Moisturizer. I was a little skeptical of a "smart" creme - something that adjusts to your skin as needed...but after trying it for a week, I am pretty sold. This improves multiple signs of aging - lines, wrinkles, firmness, dullness, dehydration. It's a thick creme and feels very luxurious going on, and my face is clear, firm, and radiant with use.  Recommended!  $50, $75, $90 (three sizes)

4. Sensuous Nude Perfume. It's what it sounds like - sexy. Intimate, feminine, sultry. Notes of woods, musk, bergamot, sandalwood, amber.  My hubby prefers a more fruity scent, but this one is lovely and sensual if that's what you're into! $58, $65, $90 (three sizes)

 Anyone else have favorites from Estee?

Guide to Makeup Brushes

I could write an entire post on brushes, but MakeUpGeek has done it for us! 

Check the list and great video here: http://www.makeupgeek.com/makeup-basics/must-have-makeup-brushes-in-your-kit/

She uses MAC and MakeUpGeek brushes for the most part, but there are certainly other brands that make great brushes.  I'd use this guide more to  know what types of brushes you need and what they're each used for.

Happy brushing!

Dior vs. Armani: Who wins the foundation battle?

When I saw that Armani was so very recognized for their Luminous Silk Foundation, I was excited to try it. It won things like "best liquid foundation of 2013" by InStyle. Alas, it was tough to find in Atlanta - only Nordstrom carries it, and I wasn't in the mood to trek to Perimeter Mall or Lenox Mall.  So, I waited.

In the meantime, my skincare consultation at Dior was scheduled, so by the time I got out to Perimeter, I was buying Diorskin Nude Foundation...because...well, because Dior gave me an entire skin care consultation and it was sort of fabulous.

Long story made short, I found Armani Luminous Silk in a Sephora in Le Defense in Paris.  Got color matched. Picked it up pronto.  Over the course of the next several weeks, I have used both foundations to see which is better.

The winner?  Definitely the Diorskin Nude.  It's lighter, and goes on much more naturally, while still giving lovely coverage.  It lasts all day (over a primer, of course) and is overall more naturally beautiful on my skin.

This is not to say the Armani isn't good - it is.  But in this case, Dior takes the ribbon. Other designer foundations I am curious about are from Givenchy, Guerlain, Dolce & Gabbana, and Marc Jacobs. Thoughts on this TBD...as I run out of foundation!

In Our Prime(rs)

If I've learned one really valuable lesson about cosmetics, it's to never skip primer.  At one point a couple of years back, I felt like I couldn't find the right foundation for me.  Even with expensive foundations, nothing seemed to apply right or last through the day, so I was always wearing too much or re-applying to compensate for it wearing off.  I asked a makeup artist about the issue, and her reply was simply: "What primer are you using?".  She was shocked when I revealed..."Well, I'm not."  

Apparently, it's a basic rule of the cosmetics world that you never put any makeup on your face without applying primer first.  And now that I've used several different primers, I agree wholeheartedly with the rule!

Since using primer, I use LESS makeup.  This allows me to purchase BETTER, more expensive cosmetics (which are better for my skin!), and to not worry about re-applying throughout the day.  Primers are made to address various skin issues, and here are two of my favorites.

1. Color Me Right: PUR Minerals Color-Correcting Primer

This primer is made to - you guessed it - correct discolorations.  It comes in neutral (to even color/tone), green (reduce redness), and peach (reduce dark spots).  It's a mid-price primer at around $30 per bottle, and does a pretty good job making your skin look more evenly-colored.  This was my go-to primer for quite a while, and I still keep it on hand.

2. Keep It On: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

 A bit on the higher end, this primer does it all - evens skin tone, reduces pore size, creates a smoother canvas for makeup application - but most of all, this one is great for keeping makeup on.  I have literally used this (with foundation) before a sweaty workout - and my makeup didn't come off.  Impressive.  It runs more expensive, at around $50 per bottle, but does last a long time.  With the savings it provides on foundation, it's still worth it.  It also contains SPF 15, giving you a little extra protection.

Unfortunately, my third favorite primer (Tarte ReCreate) was terrific for smoothing the skin out and creating the perfect base for foundation, but it was discontinued - bummer.  My search for a replacement continues.

All in all, the money spent on a good primer comes back to me tenfold when I can use less makeup AND feel more confident in my overall appearance day to day.  Definitely a product I recommend for all women. Does anyone else have primers you love?