Saturday, September 25, 2010

Beauty Breakthroughs (New Products Put to the Test)

I was reading through some stuff online on instyle.com and came across an article that I found extremely interesting.  This article was about new beauty breakthrough products that InStyle tested out to see if these products lived up to the claim to accomplish certain results.  Although I myself haven't gotten a chance to test any of these products out, I am tempted to want to try out every product listed because of the raving reviews.

I'll share some products that I really want! :)

1. Eye Shadow that Lasts 24 Hours
Armani Metallic Eyeshadows (launching in October) $32
Claim: 
Yes! There could finally be a breakthrough eyeshadow that doesn't fade. Well, at least for 24 hours! This eyeshadow is a densely pigmented powder-gel hybrid containing shimmer with translucent emollients to lock the color in place.

From the Experts:
"These shadows are ideal for my red-carpet clients because there's no need for a touch-up," says makeup artist Joanna Schlip, who works with Jessica Simpson and Ellen Pompeo.  However, "Because the color is so rich, they can be tricky to apply.  I suggest dipping a damp brush in the pot and swirling it on the back of your hand until the shadow is a sheer paste."

InStyle's Verdict:
The color didn't budge, crease, or fade (applied on a hot, summer morning).  Lasted for at least 10 hours.


Sounds awesome, in my opinion.  However, the price is a little too high for my liking.


2. An All-in-One Polish
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, $8 (found at CVS)
Claim:
Think of it as five products in one bottle: a keratin-and-amino-acid growth treatment (which fortifies and protects nails), a filling base coat, a strengthener, color, and quick-dry top coat.  The extra-wide brush helps give a full coverage with just one sweep.  Could this be truly an All-in-One polish??


From the Experts:
"Home manicures typically don't last as long as professional ones because you rush through the coats and don't let them dry completely," says N.Y.C. manicurist Jin Soon Choi. "This eliminates that problem. I've even started using it at my spa." 


Instyle's Verdict:
"Our nails looked perfectly groomed in a flash. After four days of constant tapping on our keyboard (and occasional dish washing), the color was still glossy and chip-free."




I'm loving that this nail polish is a drugstore product and is so affordable.  This could definitely be a breakthrough product that may save us LOTS of money (since with this polish, there is no need to purchase separate top coats, base coats, etc.)


3. The Self-Adjusting Lipstick
DuWop Personal Color Changing lipsticks in Private Plum (left) and Private Nude, $22, duwop.com

Claim:
Within five minutes of application, the color morphs into one that perfectly suits the complexion of the person wearing it. 

From the Experts:
"These lipsticks react to pH and heat, so they do change color according to body chemistry," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. "But they don't flatter everybody. The nude is hard to wear." 

InStyle's Verdict:
"Well, they definitely morphed! WE tried each shade on three staffers--one with very pale skin, another with a dark complexion, and the third with an olive skin tone--and it looked completely different on each of them. Basically, the fairer the skin, the darker the color looked. Of the two shades, each person found one that was flattering--but no one looked good in both." 


I want to test it out myself. It sounds so scientific! XD


4. 3-Setting Mascara
Almay One Coat Dial Up mascara, $8 (found at Walgreens)
Claim:
An adjustable dial allows you to vary the amount of mascara deposited on your brush so you can use the same formula for day and night.

From the Experts:
"The adjustable applicator is amazing," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Nick Barose, noting that it saves time and money. "It spares you from having to wipe away excess product when you want a more subtle look."

InStyle's Verdict:
"Love! The sheer, clump-free formula let us leapfrog from natural-looking lashes (setting 1) on Saturday afternoon to major volume (setting 3) later that night. Setting 2--which provided serious definition with minimal heaviness--was our sweet spot for daily office wear."


Could this be my new HG mascara? I'm a huge fan of Almay products and the fact that they made this mascara makes me so happy.


5. The Universal Blush
Stila Custom Color blush, $20 (stilacosmetics.com)
Claim:
So Stila does it again! A breakthrough blush! This bright pink cheek color is the first powder blush that adjusts to your skin tone, taking the guesswork out of picking the perfect shade. 

From the Experts:
"In fact, it isn't actually self-adjusting, but the color is just translucent enough to blend in with any skin tone," says Ni'kita Wilson. "The shade is bright, but the base that's used is not titanium dioxide, so there's no chalkiness." 

InStyle's Verdict:
"We tested the blush on five people (with complexions ranging from milky white to deep mocha), and amazingly, it gave a flattering, blushing-from-within glow to everyone. The color was bright enough to show up on very dark skin yet sheer enough that it didn't look clownish on pale complexions. "


I want to test it.  Actually, I'm more interested in testing it on different people to see if this really does flatter different skin types. LOL!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All these products seem so interesting and I really want to put them all to the test! I'm going to try to purchase some and then share the results with all of you! Thanks for reading!

Source: InStyle.com

Friday, September 3, 2010

FOTD for my audition!

Here's the FOTD for my audition that I had today. I tried to keep my makeup very neutral. I tried my best to capture the colors with my webcam.




On my face today:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory 10
Rimmel Brow Pencil in Dark Brown
MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked (on my lid)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in YDK (on my corners)
MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Liner in 0L (black)
Covergirl Lashblast Mascara in black
Lioele Blooming Cushion Blusher in Peach
MAC Lazy Day Lipstick

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hello again!!

Hello again! It's been a while! A really long while!
How have you all been? I missed you!

I know I've been away from my blog and channel for a long time, but I definitely have not forgotten about them.
I actually have been balancing work and school. I recently got a job and it's definitely been taking up a lot of my time. Even if I've been super busy and will get busier, I do plan on reviving my blog and channel. :)
Please be patient!

I'll start with a giveaway first so keep looking forward to that!

Oh and I plan on getting a new HD camera sometime. I recently got a HD webcam, but I think it washes me out a lot. It makes me look too pale. LOL. I'll post some pics of how the camera makes me look.














I would make this a FOTD, but I wish it wouldn't wash me out like that. :/
Well, I'll describe what's on my face anyways:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup in Classic Ivory 10
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light
Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown
MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch
MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
Covergirl Lashblast

See you all again, really soon!

Love,
Mindy