Soap & Glory: The Daily Smooth Body Butter (Review)

I've been hit by the Soap and Glory bug, so i bought one of their delectable offerings...

The Daily Smooth Body Butter!

It's been a long wait 'coz it took almost 3 weeks via Royal Mail to reach me. Well, good enough, because the eBay seller is from the UK anyway.

Now i understand why a lot of people are raving about Soap & Glory's packaging style, it's really cute and creative!

According to their website, The Daily Smooth Body Butter is an amazingly-effective dry skin formula body butter with rosehip seed oil and cocoa butter scented with Mist You Madly's™ beautiful notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, magnolia, freesia, vanilla and musk.

I love their witty way of wordings:

"Dew It Every Day!"

"Do or Dry." lol

Detailed product information (from soapandglory.com):

Divide a small plum-sized splodge of The Daily Smooth™ between your shins, knees, thighs, elbows, tops of toes and then everywhere else. Massage around until it all starts to sink. (Love the fragrance? Double up with Mist You Madly™ body Spray on top.)

Now here's the actual product on my super dry hands (too much swimming during summer :P)

The consistency is thicker than toothpaste but nice and creamy. It sinks into the skin pretty fast and i don't end up feeling all greasy. However, i'm a bit disappointed with the scent, well i think that's more of a personal issue. I haven't read any review disliking the smell of this product yet. It seems that it is just me who doesn't find the scent lovely.

Overall, this body butter does an awesome job. I particularly use this on my hands, and it really moisturizes throughout the day. I like that this body butter comes in a squeezy tube rather than a tub like any other body butters I have. But I find it more hygienic and easier to use. I keep this at my office table because the tube packaging makes it easier for me to reach for it anytime of the day.

Ingredients:

It's my first Soap & Glory product and I’m still wishing to try other Soap & Glory Products such as Sexy Mother Pucker Lipgloss, Glad Hair Day Conditioner, Clear Here Moisturizer, Wish Upon a Jar Cream, Scrub ‘em & Leave ‘em Body Buffer and the Night in Shining Armour Night Cream.

How about you, what Soap & Glory products would you recommend?

Product Review: Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Perfume

I was privileged to try the new fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent that was recently launched this month, romantically named Parisienne.

YSL Parisienne is a refreshing revamp of the core character of YSL Paris-- a woody, refreshing floral perfume. Parisienne takes the basic combination of rose, wood, powder and fruit, and revamps this classic floral. Parisienne modernizes this combination by adding more fruit and a softly smoldering base of woods. Besides the official notes of Damask rose, violet, peony, cranberry, patchouli, vetiver, musk and sandalwood, it also contains urban and bold aromas of vinyl and lacquer.

The bottle reminds me of antique crystal salt and peppershakers =). I thought it was an old woman perfume but, no, it's young and fresh!

I expected an old, powdery floral, but I was surprised to realized that it is very modern and very feminine in the pink way.

Though it maintains the sensuality and sophistication of YSL Paris, YSL Parisienne is up-to-date and trendy. While making a nod to traditional florals (with rose notes, fruit notes, and powdered notes), YSL Parisienne is slightly more modern, youthful and tarted up for a sensual evening or night parties.

The berry notes are not too sweet at all, and the floral notes are modern and youthful. I know the description says there's a vinyl note, but I didn't catch anything of the sort ;). The entire composition is beautiful, romantic, bright, and makes me smile. I was really drawn to it!

It’s now available in various sizes in prices ranging from $39 to $85.

Product Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

L'Oreal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. Already a success in Europe, this breakthrough mascara revolutionizes the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect.

What I don't like:

• it takes me a bit longer to apply than the traditional wand mascara
• you need to get used to the spherical brush - to avoid messy application
• it clumps on the second coat
• the ball brush doesn't curl up lashes- so it's still a must to use an eyelash curler before and after application.

What I like about this product:

• formula is made of a soft-wax system of paraffin, jojoba oil and palm oil for soft texture and Pro-Vitamin B5 for lash conditioning
• the round brush makes applying mascara fun!
  
• the spherical multi-angle brush reaches lashes at the roots
• small, it reaches even tiny corner and lower lashes
• lengthens, thickens and separates every little lash
• at the end of the day, the mascara stays on well and doesn't smudge

Additional Benefits:

• Ophthalmologist and allergy tested
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara will be available by November 2009 in two shades: black and blackest black for a suggested retail price of $9.49. It's definitely a mascara to look out for. ;)

Dream World Minerals Haul

I’ve read quite a number of reviews and raves about Dream World Minerals crème toppings and I would agree that these finishing powder are great. This is my second order from them and I just can’t get enough!

Foundation:
Theia (Cloud Formula)
Hebe (Cloud Formula)

Cloud -- is the first of the mica free formulas. It is a medium to heavy coverage that is matte and light feeling. It is perfect for those who live in the environment where they don’t want anything heavy and for those with oily skin. The rice powder helps those who need oil control, by soaking up the excess oils, so their foundation stays nice all day long. There is a limited amount of zinc in this formula. This formula also runs a shade darker than the others.

Pele (Luna Formula)
Themis (Luna Formula)
Chang O (Luna Formula)

Luna – is the heaviest coverage of the 3 formulas. While offering wonderful coverage the Lunas do not cause a cakey look and will feel soft on the skin, while having a long lasting effect. Luna offers the highest amount of Zinc and is wonderful for those who have acne and rosacea. The zinc helps to diminish redness and inflammation caused by these problems.

Creme Toppings:
Angel Creme
Butterscotch Creme
Butter Creme
Whipped Cream
Peach Creme
Banana Creme
Butter Creme (full size 30g)

Butter Creme Topping has been one of my top faves that's why i bought the big jar. It works two ways: as a makeup primer and a finishing dust. Clay and silk formula provides heavier coverage than the silk formula, but some experience allergic reactions with the silk formula. Luckily, i didn't have any problem with any of them so i also ordered the other variants in silk and clay/silk formulas. They are all good and works just as fine, now i realized that Banana Creme in silk formula tops m y list because the shade is just sheer and not matte unlike the clay/silk formula.

Product Review: Ocean Mist Cosmetics (MMU)

Hi there! take a look at my haul i got from Ocean Mist Cosmetics:

I bought a full size of their Lightly Tinted Mineral Finish (it's a rice powder, actually)

and samples of the following:

Foundation:

Lilia

Dandelion

Wheat

Blush:

Sea Fan

Finishing Powder:

Silken Perfection

Concealer:

Sea Foam Green Color Corrector

Eyeshadows:

Tiki

Rose Red

Pretty N Pink

Blue Aquatica

The Lilia shade was the closest match i got, it is a golden fair color as it was described. Coverage is medium to heavy, depending on the application. The finish is somewhat matte, which is not my favorite.. i prefer dewy, and sheen but not "glittery".. I reserve this mmu for occasions that requires me to wear matte and heavy coverage.

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The green color corrector is a good product, and helps to cover those areas that need a little extra touch up.
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Sea Fan blush is a sunny apricot color with a slight shimmer. It also has warm undertones. This has become one of my favorite blushes so far.

Btw, if you intend to shop at Ocean Mist, they have an ongoing promo for this month-- SAVE 25% off all products from June 1-30, 2009. Just enter the promo code "june" when prompted for the promo code.

Product Review: Milan Minerals

Here are the items i ordered from Milan Minerals months ago. I took advantage of the 30% discount they had via promo code "30off". You know it's hard to resist the urge to shop when there are tempting promos especially huge discounts. ;)

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Perfect Presentation- Original Formula/ Untinted
(10gram jar)

Mineral Foundation in Lana shade (25 gram full-sized jar)

and i also got eyeshadows:
Appletini and Teal Me No Lies

They charged me US$5 for shipping, computed by weight. It's not a standard shipping fee you can choose in the usual drop-down menu option. I haven't visited their site recently, so i am not sure if their policy is still the same.

Oh, by the way, if you will only order samples, the shipping is free worldwide. However, samples do not qualify for discounts and there's a limit of 2 shades per sample for every order.

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Two extra items (Kiana foundie & Perfect Presentation) for my friend

were included in this package.

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Lana Foundation (Medium to Heavy Coverage)

As their website suggests, Lana is recommended for those with yellow skintones (Asians). The shade is comparable to Joppa Minerals' Ginger. I find this Milan shade too yellow that i have to mix it with mineral foundie with olive shades or those lacking with yellow tones. I also like the dewy finish. But like most of the mmu i tried, the shade is forgiving and my skin can adapt to the color even if i chose not to mix it with other shades-- it is by applying just a thin layer of this foundie followed by the Perfect Presentation finpow. ;)

Perfect Presentation (Original Formula)

"Airbrushed look, anyone?" I saw this line on their website and got intrigued. They have three shades to choose from: Light, Dark and the one i chose-- Original Formula (untinted). They can be used as either a primer or as finishing powder. The texture is comparable to Earthen Glow Mineral's High Definition finishing powder. They're almost the same for me. Both control the oilies... i love them both!

Product Review: Items from Sephora

The 22 Best Sephora Buys

Consider this the ultimate buying guide to your favorite beauty store--

Sephora really is the beauty junkies' paradise. There are so many products to play with, you could spend days sampling and still not try everything. But, since most of us don't have days, or even hours, to spend in the store, we rounded up these TotalBeauty.com reader reviews and ratings for you. Now you'll know exactly which products at Sephora are worth your precious time and money. See products

No. 22: Beautyblender Sponge, $18.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "This is such a wonderful tool. The broad base of the sponge is..."

No. 21: CARGO Bronzer, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "CARGO's bronzer is a great find and beauty bag staple. CARGO didn't leave us pale..."

No. 20: Nars Blush, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.6*

Why it's great: "I have the award winning shade, orgasm. I was a little apprehensive..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Skincare Special: Luxe vs. Less

Luxe vs. Less Skin Care

Find out what products to splurge on and when to save your hard-earned dollars

You don't have to spend half your paycheck on skincare products to stay wrinkle and pimple-free. That said, slathering household condiments on your face to avoid paying for the good stuff isn't necessary either. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and P&G scientist Mary Begovic Johnson helped us compare products with similar ingredients that are very different in cost. Here's what we found. See products

Elegant Minerals

This is another long overdue post of my mineral makeup haul i ordered months ago. This one is from Elegant Minerals,a trusted and verified online merchant located at Corpus Christi, Texas.

I ordered three sets of their foundation samples in Light Warm shades, they include the following:

Light Bisque- for light skin with peaches & cream complexion, with pink undertones.

Golden Wheat- a shade for light skin with slightly yellow undertones & some pink.

Cornsilk- for light-medium skin, with neutral and yellow undertones. (for Asians and Latins)

Beige- light-medium shade. Great balance -slightly darker than Golden Wheat.

I also ordered passion glow blush & pink glow bronze, pale roses lipstick, setting powder in sheer neutral shade and a small spatula for scooping and measuring mmu.

They have the tiniest sample jars i've ever seen, much like a size of a peso coin. So cute!! Although they don't have sifters, each jar is sealed and properly labeled. Each sample foundie is good for 2 to 3 applications only. (Now i have empty little jars to fill in with some eyeshadow samples.)

I asked them to have one of the sample sets gift-wrapped. It's one of the options they offer with no extra cost. It looked like this, wrapped in metallic red ribbon, and i gave it away as a small present.

The foundies are weightless and considerably long-wearing. And their customer support is remarkable, i was able to chat with one of the representatives online thru Yahoo Messenger before i finalized the shades i want.

They claim that their products are free of preservatives, bismuth, talc, dyes, parabens, carmine and fragrances. And most of all, just like most mineral makeup companies, their products are cruelty free- and no animal testing. =)

Product Review: Lumene Cosmetics

Best and Worst Products from Lumene Cosmetics

Check out this buying guide to one of the most popular drugstore brands..

Ever walked past a Lumene display at a CVS and wondered "Hmmm, what's the deal with that brand?" If so, you'll love this guide. Check it out, but be warned: you may feel the need to rush to your nearest CVS soon after. See products

. The Worst: No. 2: Lumene Cleansing Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6.7*

What you said: "The product merely smears mascara around the eye area and..."

No. 1: Lumene Cleansing Sensitive Eye Make up Remover, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 5.8*

What you said: "It burns the skin around my eyes, especially under..."

The Best: No. 10: Lumene Vitamin C+ Energy Cocktail Pampering Drops, $22.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8*

What you said: "My skin is dry in the winter and I found this cocktail to give it the pampering boost..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Product Review: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

“It’s the sexiest thing your lashes could ever wear!”

I know it sounds kinda funny that I could possibly think a mascara looks or sounds sexy, but this product does to me!

Maybelline New York introduced their newest mascara not long ago and it's taking beauty addicts by storm. Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, is supposed to widely increase and lengthen lashes, much like a stiletto does for legs. That is to impart provocative length and black-patent shine.

What is Special with This Mascara?

• The Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle
• Elastic formula stretches lashes for provocative length
• Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula conditions and smoothes for black-patent shine
• Contact lens safe and Ophthalmologist tested

Available in three shades: Very Black, Soft Black and Brownish Black

Recommended Use (as per packaging):

• Sweep Grip and Extend Brush upwards from root to tip to grasp each lash and coat from every angle to achieve extreme length and shine
• Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look
• Do not let dry between coats
• Repeat for lower lash line
• Removes easily with soap and water
• For a truly dramatic, wide-eyed look, curl your lashes with eyelash curler before applying mascara

Recently I had the opportunity to try Lash Stiletto in Very Black and I love it. After a few days of wearing this mascara, here is my review.

The packaging is fabulous; so classy and it is actually shaped like a stiletto (the heels)! The wand is defined enough to get EVERY lash and it is small enough to give a good control. I can finally go after the lashes closest to the inner corners of my eyes without poking them and causing teary eyes!

The mascara really does a nice job of lengthening lashes and adding volume. My lashes were thicker, but not clumpy. It is good in giving a natural curl and keeping my lashes separate. I didn't experience flaking or smudging with Lash Stiletto. Best of all, it doesn’t cause my eyes to become itchy. I am highly impressed with this mascara.

Check out some backstage shots for the new Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara’s ad:

Have you tried Lash Stiletto yet? What were your thoughts?

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And my good news:

I will be hosting a giveaway for Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara! I'll post it as soon as i finalize the mechanics of the contest. So stay tuned!

Product Review: EARTHEN GLOW MINERALS

Earthen Glow Minerals is a promising mineral makeup store launched at the last quarter of 2008. I ordered two sets of Get Acquainted Sample Kit. Each kit contains my choice of 3 loose mineral foundations, 1 finishing powder and 1 blush. My orders took only less than two weeks to arrive.

It’s fun browsing the color chart but because of the many shades available to choose from, it could also cause you headache in selecting a foundation that is most suitable for you in every way, color, texture, and coverage. But one good thing about mineral makeup stores, they allow us to order a sample or better yet a sampler kit. This way, it allows us to select several foundation colors and more with minimal investment.

Price:
Sample Kit (in jars): $5.00
Sample Kit (in bags): $3.50
Shipping (First Class International USPS): $2.50
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Total (payment thru Paypal): $11.00

Plus $0.75 (P35.00) Philippine Postal Fee (grrr..)

All samples in jars (foundie, finpow and blushes) came in a round sample jars with black covers and sifters. But three of the samples arrived with loose caps. I tried to tighten the cap coverings but it seems that the cap and the jar don’t fit together. I wished that the sifter holes were sealed so the pigments shouldn’t have spilled. It turned out that the cheaper samples in bag ($3.50) contained more pigments than those in jars ($5).

BLUSHES:

Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Premium grade serecite (colorless mica), Iron Oxide.

I got Blush of Youth and Peaches n Cream. A little dusting of blush in the apples of the cheeks gives a lil color and depth (not flat!) The blushes have enough sheen for a radiant glow. For me, Blush of Youth is a reminiscent of my favorite blusher/bronzer- E.L.F. Glow, but the former is a bit darker.

FOUNDATION:

Earthen Glow Minerals offers four (4) Mineral Foundation formulas:

• Youthful Glow- Offers medium coverage with a natural and Youthful Radiant Glow.
• Cover Me- Heaviest mineral foundation, providing a beautiful, natural finish with the slightest Glow.
• Light & Natural- Feather light coverage, Mineral foundation. Rice Based Formula. Light coverage, Matte finish, good for oily skin.
• Liquid Minerals- A natural liquid mineral foundation that contains Primrose oil, it provides medium coverage with a matte finish.

These foundations cover a wide range of complexions, and it is interesting to note that Earthen Glow Minerals have more than a hundred shades available that are categorized into four groups:

• Beige - Neutral Family
• Cool - Olive family
• Yellow Family
• Warm - Peach Family

Here’s what I got:

Youthful Glow Foundation:

Medium coverage with a natural youthful glow, producing that beautiful natural look.

Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Oxides, May contain Ultramarine Blue oxides.

Adya (Yellow Family)







Mailee (Yellow Family)





Sung (Yellow Family)






Janelle (Cool and Olive Family)

Light & Natural Foundation:

Light coverage foundation. A rice based formula that is good for all skin types and naturally effective controlling the oil secreted by oily skin.

Ingredients: Rice Powder, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Oxides, May contain Ultramarine Blue oxides.

Kelly (Yellow Family)

Melissa (Yellow Family)

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The texture and feel is not chalky, instead, it glides smoothly and I feel like it melts onto my skin quite nice, it reminds me of Lumiere (one of my HG foundations). It’s just the way I want the finish: dewy, radiant, and with “youthful glow”. However, use a proper concealer if you need to cover up blemishes. It caters those who prefer medium coverage. It is not that longwearing but I think a makeup primer would solve this.

Light and Natural on the other hand, is more concerned on controlling the oiliness. The rice powder ingredient is an important ingredient if you desire light coverage with a matte finish.

Up to this writing, I still haven’t found my exact shade without mixing. But Mailee is a favorite, and a close match. Also with Sung + Janelle. Kelly is almost like a second skin too. I can also wear Adya. Well, I really can’t figure out because they are all so nice.

FINISHING POWDER:

High Definition Pro
Ingredients: Silica Micro spheres, Micas.

”High Definition Pro Finishing Powder is excellent for those with oily skin who may need a little additional power before and after applying the foundation.”

-from EGM website

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I have never seen any loose powder so finely milled as this powder. It feels like I am touching cornstarch when I swipe the colors. It's that fine and smooth. There is hardly powder flying around unless I swipe it hard. Using a stippling brush, it just glides onto the skin effortlessly and evenly. I can use it solely over moisturizer and concealer, but I find better outcome when used with Earthen Mineral foundation underneath. It doesn't offer coverage nor does it change complexion much. But I don’t regret choosing only High Definition Powder for my two kits, as I was not that tempted to try the other variants (Silk Botanical and Soft Focus)- guilty about my Dream World Crème Toppings that I haven’t been touched.

According to Earthen Glow Minerals website, their formulas are kept as natural as possible and do not contain artificial fragrances, colors, waxes, preservatives or fillers in loose mineral cosmetic formulas. The ingredients/ agents mentioned are believed to often lead to skin irritation.

Furthermore, their mineral cosmetics have no organic materials in them except their rice powders such as the Silk Botanical finishing powder. These organic ingredients have indefinite shelf lives provided they are kept in cool, dark, dry areas.

Shelf Life:

Ordinary Foundation: 6 to 12 months
Mineral Foundation: No expiration date as long as kept dry

Traditional Blush: Powder: 2 years, Cream: 1 year
Mineral Blush: No expiration date as long as kept dry

Traditional Eye Shadow: 2 years, Cream: 6 to 12 months
Mineral Eye shadow: No expiration date as long as kept dry

Mascara: 3 months
Lipstick: 2 years

CONCLUSION:
No bumps or allergic reactions were experienced with the foundation and finishing powder. Despite the spillage experience, Earthen Glow Minerals has become one of my favorite mineral makeup available online.