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I’m usually clueless about what’s going on in the world of cosmetics and the like. I have been known to use the same make up or lip stick until it runs dry. Then when I go to buy another I discover it’s discontinued and/or the color is no longer available. Only then do I awaken to the newest big thing.
When I was in New York at RWA this summer, a friend of mine mentioned her Icelandic relief eye pen, which helped get rid of that annoying under eye puffiness. Hmm. I didn’t know that could be gotten rid of. I trotted after her into Sephora and discovered all sorts of cool things.
For instance–Cake Milk Made Hand and Cuticle Buffer. Oh my, this stuff is fantastic. I rub it on my hands for a minute, rinse and my usually dry, cracked fingers are smooooth. I love this stuff. Who knew?
Also-Sephora Brush on Cuticle Oil. And here I was pouring cuticle oil onto my fingers from the bottle. No, no, no! There is a lovely tube with a brush to paint on cuticle oil if you only look for it. Wow, the world has opened up to me.
I’ve also discovered the best lip stick ever. Revlon Colorstay Overtime does stay overtime. In fact, I can’t get the stuff off unless I use cream and a washcloth. After going out at night, I’ve still got lipstick on in the morning. Not only does it not come off unless forced to, but it doesn’t leave a lipstick mark on my coffee cup or wine glass. How do they do that?
Have any of you discovered some great new product lately? Share with me. I live in a cave. I never know about cool new things unless someone tells me.
I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees – everything. It’s all so YUM!!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 3:23 am.
Love Burt’s bees too!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:24 am.
I love the lip balm. Especially the colored ones.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:57 am.
Double Thumbs Up on Burts
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:32 am.
Is it made with honey? I’ve seen it but never tried… why do they have ‘bee’s’ in the title of it?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:18 am.
I love Nivea for their hand cream, face cream and body lotion. I love mineral make up and will be getting a brand called Nude by Nature because their stuff is so light weight and lovely. I don’t use soap much because I am prone to stress related dermatitis so I use a good shower gel that doubles as a bubble bath and the one I am currently using has essential oils of lavender, ylang ylang and patouli in it. It smells divine too.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:36 am.
I use the mineral make up too, Kelly. But ours is called Bare Essentials. I agree. It’s really lightweight.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:59 am.
I need a trip to Sephora. I have to get some of that Icelandic eye stuff!
I have been searching for the best mascara and haven’t found any that I think totally rocks. I would love some suggestions to try.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:26 am.
Avon, Maybelline and Revlon all have great mascaras Julia.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:23 am.
I’ve been using Neutrogena mascara, Julie. My eyes are really sensitive and so far it’s been great.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:59 am.
I actually have not worn mascara in like 20 years because it just burns my eyes so badly now…maybe I’ll give that Neutrogena a try.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:19 am.
L’Oreal, Voluminous. Love it! Inexpensive, good coverage, never flakes, washes off easily with soap and water. Ticks all my boxes! (I’ve been watching BBC America lately.)
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 12:36 pm.
I bought a few things from KleanSpa. a bodylotion that smells like chocolate and brownies, a shampoo that smells like german chocolate cake (even though I don’t know why there was coconut in it) and body scrub that should smell like martini and something else and has a little bit of glitter in it. that was the first time I ordered from them and I had to get it shipped from the USA to Germany. I ordered there again just a couple of days ago. Ten perfumes with different smells to try them out and two shower gels. They have fantastic smells and I can’t wait to get them!
And then there’s my new mascara. Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes. I love it! You need some time to get an even beeter effect, but it’s great. The only annoying thing is the smell. Why do you put perfume in a mascara?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:48 am.
German chocolate cake shampoo sounds good to me, Steffi. Here they put coconut in the frosting so maybe that’s why.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:01 am.
I have never put Coconut in the frosting, but maybe because I don’t like it very much. But my grandma also says NO and she should know
But thats the good thing. Its different everywhere you go
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:51 am.
Perfekt skin perfecting gel. It’s a silicone enhanced foundation. Blends well, never cakes, is never oily. Combine it with Makeup Forever’s High Definintion powder & you look natural, only better. Seriously! I’m also a big fan of DiorShow mascara — an oldie but a goodie.
Ah, Sephora is like a little make-up wonderland, isn’t it?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:25 am.
Yes, I found myself hooked on Sephora. Never been in the place before but I sure spend a lot of time there now.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:01 am.
Thanks for this tip. I had a silicone type foundation that was discontinued, and I haven’t found another one. And I go to Sephora. Hmmm, I wonder why they did not tell me about this!!!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:04 pm.
Sephora has some great products! I do a lot of my beauty product shopping on QVC. Love QVC! Not only do I learn about the exciting new products out there, but they get delivered right to my door without me having to venture outside. And if I don’t like it, they have a money-back guarantee.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 8:44 am.
Yes! They also often have the products cheaper than at the counter.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:05 pm.
Hmm, QVC. Another place I haven’t checked out.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:02 am.
Be careful! It’s addictive.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:39 pm.
I’m so checking out your reccomendation.
Lip and eyelash Stain, who was the genius that thought this stuff up? No more raccoon eyes and chewed off lipstick!
Burts bee balm tinted gloss and hard candy tinted up lip balm.
Stain first, cover with the above and your lips look great!
Hard Candy blush and the tinted up lip balm is about the only reason you will see me in Walmart.
I’m very pale, and it’s hard to find makeup that doesn’t make me look like a hoa…so very excited about these finds.
I’ve also become a convert to the right brush for the right application. Those little blush brush’s aren’t going to cut it if you want a smooth application of the product. And a brush for my eyeshadow instead of the foam applicators is a must.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:51 am.
Eyelash stain huh? That sounds interesting.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:04 am.
As someone else who’s very pale (except for my hair, lol, love my red hair.:D), I think there should be a line for those of us without color. It’s hard to find the right foundation because there’s no paler than pale shade, etc.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 7:24 pm.
Me Too! I loved Clarions for a long time because it was big in England and Ireland, the home of the pale beauty…and they had appropriate colors. Then they only started bringing over to here colors for darker skin tones and now I have to wait for when I go to Ireland to find the stuff.
Now Loreal, pale/cool seems to work well. ANd NYC has a cover stick that I can use sparingly as a foundation, then I brush on physician’s formula pearl/translucent shimmer and it blends nicely with my skin.
But look into Hard Candy Janae. Love the expensive stuff, but they just don’t make it in my colors.
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 10:41 am.
Thanks, Pesky. I’ll definitely check out Hard Candy and even the other ones, too, because paler than pale, lol.
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:32 am.
Check out QVC for Philosphy. They have great products and the 30 day money back guarantee. During the holidays it is 90 days. I have spoken on air a couple of times. Once was for my Sleep Number bed.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:53 am.
Susan brought up Philosophy a while back and it sounded fantastic. I need to get to our Sephora and try some. Unfortunately it’s a 40 minute drive. Why can’t there be one CLOSE?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:05 am.
Since I have never heard of Sephora, I did a search for locations. The closest to me is a 4 hour drive.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 3:13 pm.
I’ve been ordering online since I haven’t have time to get where mine is either.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:29 pm.
Sephora.com usually has free shipping with a low spend threshold. There are big Sephoras and little Sephoras, so if you’ve got a 40 min drive, discover Sephora.com.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:49 pm.
My sister gives me Philosophy products as gifts. I really like their cleansers, and make up removal lotions.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm.
Totally agree! I love the Philosophy stuff. Every time I switch to a new scent, it feels like a party in my shower.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:40 pm.
I really, really like the Arbonne detox line! Everything in it smells wonderful, and your skin feels great after you use it. My other love is the Clinique Buttershine lipsticks. It’s a combo of a gloss and a lipstick.
I’m still looking for the best mascara. I’ve never found one that doesn’t bleed under my eyes…looking like a racoon at the end of the day is always a big bummer.
Happy Saturday!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:00 am.
I’ve seen ads for eyelash dye where I get my hair done. I keep considering it, then chickening out. Anyone tried that?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:06 am.
Agreed….something about dying your eyebrows is a little freaky! That’s a lot of “stuff” really close to your eyeballs. You’ll have to let us know if you try it.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:18 am.
I’ve dyed my eyelashes (strawberry blond) before. The end result is pretty spectacular and only takes 10 minutes. It really made my eyes pop. The only problem that I had with it, even though, your skin is coated with petroleum jelly, the dye bothered my skin. It wasn’t terribly uncomfortable, but it’s, also, something that I don’t want to be doing every 6 weeks either.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 12:47 pm.
Hmm. Sounds . . . ick. Still might break down and try it.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:55 pm.
Fresh SUGAR lip balm – you will fall in love. No waxy feel, SPF and lovely tinted versions! Buy 2 because you’ll want to have it handy everywhere.
I gift those Sephora cuticle oil pens, always have it in my purse, etc.
Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat #2 – it’s a highlighter and concealer for your face. Covers the undereye dark stuff, brightens the parenthesis around the mouth so they disappear and cover the cheek redness. An investment piece that you won’t regret.
OK, enough schilling for Sephora. I’m going to pick up your Cake stuff today. I have a friend who will appreciate this tip too. Fun topic!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:01 am.
I love everything from Fresh! My favorite is the Soy Face Cleanser. Love it! My mom just got a facial done at the Fresh Spa two days ago. We love that place.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:05 am.
Haven’t heard of that Yves trick, Fresh. Another great product to try. Thanks!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:07 am.
I found this awesome hair stuff called Orofluido. It makes my hair feel like silk.
And The Body Shop Body Butter.. it is saving me as my skin dries up into something akin to a molting reptile here in the mountains.
I second Fresh with the FRESH sugar lip balm..it’s moisturizing AND tinted. though I am out and need to order more.
OH.. and Philosophy Hope in a Jar.. it is doing for my face what the Body Butter is doing for my legs and arms.
I am all about skin hydration now.. stupid arid climate.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:28 am.
Orofluido looks yummy. And I hear you about the hydration. See above re: my hands.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:57 am.
Origin’s Spot Remover is the best blemish fighter I’ve ever tried. Even my teen daughters like it. It doesn’t stain and cuts the red mark’s time in 1/2. No kidding. You put it on a blemish the first day you notice it, and by the 3rd day you can’t even tell you ever had a blemish. Other products don’t help the healing process and this obviously does.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:29 am.
Oh, great, Molly! I always get a dark mark. Definitely going to try this.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:01 am.
revlon colorstay makes great eyeliner too it does not come off on to your upperlids like so many do but comes off with a regular soap and water type face wipe. oh those are great too cvs makes a great one
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:31 am.
Eyeliner is something else that never lasts for me. Thanks!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:02 am.
Istarted using Clarins Water Compfort One-Step Cleanser. You just pour some on a pad and wash your face and you don’t have to rinse. It is great. They have different wash for your skin type. I love it.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:58 am.
Hadn’t heard of that either, Kathleen.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:03 am.
I already extolled the virtues of Fresh spa, so I’ll avoid that for now. I love the conditioner from Amika. It’s an Israeli hair company and they’ve got some great hair products.
I also really like many Bliss products. Their lemon verbina soap is amazing.
Boots, a London brand, has some good stuff too. You can find it in Target now which is awesome.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:08 am.
Cail-Lemon verbina? MMMMM!!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:34 am.
Boots products get really high recs from users and from articles on products, I have noticed. We are expecting a Target to come in very close to where I live, thank heavens. Right now I have to drive a good distance to one.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:09 pm.
This is such a fun blog because I’m hopeless when it comes to all the new trends too! I have the same problem with lipstick, the color is discontinued by the time I want a new one…
Because I used to use my moms old make up and never bought my own (I’m talking my moms old mascara would be dry and I’d add water and start using it) I’m sensitive now to anything around my eyes…I like ALMAY because its perfume free stuff…
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:24 am.
I’m right there with you, Robin. Why replace something that still works?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:35 am.
I will say that I like Suave Vitamin E Lotion LOL, it has a very light fragrance that doesn’t bother me and smells fresh like oranges mixed with flowers…and most importantly is that after shaving my legs, I can use this lotion and it soaks in and does NOT stay all oily and greasy!!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:42 am.
I received a gift of Sensaria lotion and body butter in Mango scent. I love the smell and the way it makes my skin feel. I prefer the butter but it’s more convenient to have the lotion at work.
I will also be making a trip to Sephora to check out that Icelandic eye pen. .
Thanks for this topic. It’s always helpful to hear first hand testimonials. I have been searching for something for help ease the eye puffiness and to reduce the fine lines that just seem to hang in there.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:29 am.
I love mango. Just bought mango salsa, but that’s another blog entirely.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 12:20 pm.
I just bought new make-up brushes and WOW do they make a difference! I thought it was me getting older, or my eyeshadow was garbage…nope! It was that I needed new make-up brushes! Best money I ever spent. I look like a new woman.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 12:38 pm.
I keep looking at my brushes and thinking I need new ones. But that’s as far as it’s gotten.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:56 pm.
I got 6 for $12 at K-Mart. Really great brushes, too! I figure I’m going to give my brushes a shelf-life from now on, just make myself use new ones every couple of years.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:41 pm.
I love my make up brushes! Good brushes make all the difference in the world.
I love, love, love Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Conscious line. It smells good and makes my hair look great. And so does Aveda’s Be Curly. I switch back and forth between the 2 brands.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm.
I have Be Curly! Need to try that again now that I cut my hair.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:56 pm.
I can’t use make-up I am alergic.But,I love the cuticle idea and burt’s Bees products.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:39 pm.
The cuticle oil is the best, Gail.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:57 pm.
Clinique… Best moisturizer hands down…
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:48 pm.
Haven’t tried that one, May.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:58 pm.
I like it best too, for under make up. It is light, and does not create any oiliness. Helps the makeup go on smoother.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:10 pm.
I LOVE Revlon Colorstay lipsticks. I’ve been wearing them for years, and you’re right, they really don’t come off easily. Good thing, since I drink coffee all day long!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:52 pm.
I love them, Sabrina. I always feel so pretty the next morning when I still have lipstick on.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 1:58 pm.
My tip is so pedestrian that I hesitate to give it. I love Aveeno 24 hour moisturizing cream for my hands and feet because I live in a semi-arid (did you hear that Webster did away with hyphens this year? So we’ll be Germans, just shoving words together?)climate. However, I love the scents of rosemary, pine, sandlewood, basil, lavender, lemongrass, bergamot, etc. So I add a few drops of my favorite essential oil of the moment (Bath and Body Works have a whole line I adore) and use the Aveeno bottle pump stick to stir it in. That way I get a moisturizer that really works and just a hint of a scent I’m fond of.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 3:28 pm.
I have an Aveeno foot cream I love. It’s something for itchiness. Great in the winter.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:32 pm.
what a great way to make any cream smell good thanks
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 5:56 pm.
Due to allergies, I can’t use anything with alcohol in it (burns my skin on contact). Currently, I am cosmetic-free and every time I find a moisturizer that I like that is alcohol-free, they change the formula and add alcohol when I try to buy additional bottles. ARRRRRRGGGH!!!
Anyone have any suggestions??
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:07 pm.
That’s a tough one, LadyD. I checked my super light moisturized I got from Bare Essentials and it had some kind of alcohol too. Have you googled it?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:33 pm.
I just did again. I found a natural product that offered a trial size and sent away for it. It was a little pricy so I hope it works.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 4:49 pm.
Google Shira and Osmosis. They both make very natural moisturizers. Pricey but you only have one face, right?
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:54 pm.
You are so right. You do have only one face. I’ve basically gotten over paying more for my moisturizer. My absolute favorite, before they added alcohol to the mix, was $13 per bottle, but it smelled so wonderful and felt like silk on my skin. It was completely vegan and natural, all natural oils and such – Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta body lotion. If you can stand alcohol on your skin, I HIGHLY recommend this brand since it has no harsh chemicals and does amazing things to your skin. If they hadn’t added the alcohol, I would still be using it since it did such nice things to my skin that I actually had people complementing me on my complexion.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 11:19 pm.
Just in case you stop back by… This is in the realm of the super expensive, but for a facial moisturizer, the best and smoothest and awesomest I have ever tried and still use is Clinique Moisture Surge: http://www.clinique.com/product/1687/5089/Skincare/Moisturizers/Moisture-Surge-Extended-Thirst-Relief/index.tmpl
I found the ingredient list here: http://www.moisturizer-reviews.com/clinique-moisture-surge/
As far as I can tell, it doesn’t have any alcohol in it. It is so lightweight and amazing!
Posted on October 18, 2011 at 9:45 am.
I was watching The Doctors yesterday and they were discussing how good “Boots No7″ is. I had never heard of the product. It is sold on line, with a coupon now on their Boots site. But Target also sells it, think my next trip to town I may check it out.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 5:35 pm.
I love avons liquid make up.works wonderfuly
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 5:46 pm.
Since I retired… I really kinda quit the whole makeup thing.. just moisturizer [nutragena w/spf] and lip gloss … I have a drawer I need to go thru & just pitch a bunch of stuff… Someone said earlier… when you go to buy your favorite lipstick – it’s gone or been changed… don’t forget that your skin tones change as you ummmm get just a tad bit older…
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:11 pm.
I’m an Avon Rep. But I have tried other brands of Makeup and lip-balms, but I do love my carmex. I cannot wear a lots of other brands of makeup because I break out in rashes or bad zits. But I don’t push Avon on anyone I just don’t like making people feel that they have to order Avon from me. I just let people try it out and if they like it they order it.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:37 pm.
Well I decided to make a trip to the local Penneys where they have a Sephora inside. Alas, they don’t have the Icelandic eye pen and haven’t heard of it. They said they probably have them at the stand alone stores so I guess I will have to wait a little longer
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm.
I love Avon Moisture Therapy Extra Stregnth cream. My mom recommended it to me and now I always keep some around. It really works!
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:24 pm.
The absolutely best product I’ve found lately is Treseme Climate Control Shampoo and Conditioner. If you have bad hair days where your hair won’t cooperate then this is the product for you. My job requires that I wear a skull cap every day and before this product I had helmet hair after a long day. Since I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner, you can’t tell I’ve had my skull cap on. Kudos to this product.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:55 pm.
It feels good to rub some lotion into my feet & hands just before I go to bed – very refreshing! My favorite is Arbonne FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Crème – it smells great & isn’t oily.
Just a little lift at the end of the day.
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 10:30 pm.
Wow, I have a whole list of new things to try!
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 10:58 am.
I am out of my league here! I don’t wear make-up because I’m allergic to so many things. (Shea Butter and Lanolin. Guess what’s in almost every single lotion, btw?) But, I can absolutely swear by Philosophy’s Microdelivery Face Wash. I used to get red blotches from out of nowhere when my skin decided it didn’t like something in the environment. I rarely get them anymore since using the micro-face wash. I follow that up with Oil of Olay for sensitive skin. My Daughter loves Philosphy’s Cinnamon Buns body wash/shampoo/bubble bath. And I wear their Amazing Grace perfume. Y’all are making me so curious to try a few new things….
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 2:09 pm.
I love Klorane eye make-up remover with cornflower. I’ve used it for years and it’s very gentle and nourishing around the eyes and I haven’t had an eye wrinkle since I started using it. OK maybe a few laughlines but the area directly under the eyes seems to thrive on this product.
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 5:16 pm.
I’m a little late to the party here, but I love Jane Iredale cosmetics. They are about the same price as most other cosmetics that you find in a department store, and they always send you cool little samples, too. Great colors, feel good on your skin, and their lip glosses are great!
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 9:50 am.
Try Lush, its a wonderful line made using all natural ingredients. I absolutely love everything ive bought since i found this place…
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 10:39 am.
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Posted on November 17, 2011 at 6:08 pm.