toss/try/buy vol. 3

(this is repost from my personal blog, from 11/15/09. all opinions still apply!)

i've been frequenting sephora lately because i'm now a VIB, and with that special privilage comes 10% off and this past weekend's 20% off preview night. needless to say, i've been surrounded by beauty products. i got some new stuff for myself (just stocking up -- much easier when you have that discount) and some christmas gifts that i'm really excited about. so as an ode to my beauty filled weekend, i'm doing another toss/try/buy. (have anything you're excited about product wise? let me know! i love trying new things).

TOSS

Revlon Double Twist Mascara

i was excited about this because the special brush offered the best of both worlds, and looked pretty cool, too. LET DOWN ALERT -- it does not deliver on its promises. the moment i took the wand out of the tube, i could tell it would be messy. it was basically a heap of goop, and i ended up using eye makeup remover to take it off before i was even done. there was no saving this stuff. from other reviews i've read, others have been having the same experiences. don't believe jessica alba, people, this stuff sucks. luckily, right around the time i tried it, sephora was having a special "bring in your old makeup" event, and i brought in 5 old items to get $10 off my next purchase.

TRY

Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser

i've been trying to find a new trick for making my every-other-day hair non-washed hair look less gross, and baby powder worked wonders when i was blonder. now that i've gone dark again, it shows up, big time. my old dry shampoo, an awful powder that smelled like lysol and mr. clean, made me want to gag whenever i used it. so i finally picked up the ojon project, and from the first time i've used it, i've been hooked. it goes on clear, smells great, and actually makes my hair look decent. highly suggested.

BUY
L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

yes, another mascara. I'm still loyal to Diorshow and always will be, but I've been using this in conjunction with it. For some reason, no matter how much i curl and separate my lashes, i can't get the outer and inner corner lashes to look right. this brush does wonders and makes them look amazing. i can get in the littlest places, and also use it to separate clumps from my main mascara application. what's also great about it is there isn't a ton of product on the little brush, so it doesn't make it clump again. it's a great little tool. i know givenchy makes a similar mascara, but i didn't want to pay a bajillion dollars for something that wasn't a main necessity. sometimes drugstore brands disappoint, and sometimes they amaze!

toss/try/buy vol. 1

(this is a repost from my personal blog, from 7/23/09. all opinions still apply!)

i was reading my newest marie claire today and saw the feature "toss, try, buy." i was planning on doing a makeup/product review soon, so i thought, why not now?! here is my own little version...if you have any additions, let me know for future posts!

TOSS
(sephora tinted moisturizer)

i got it because i wanted to try something new after using the cover girl stuff for so long, and when i sampled it at the store it seemed pretty good. i was so wrong! this stuff makes your skin super oily and basically just sits on the surface of the skin instead of actually being absorbed and, oh, i don't know, MOISTURIZING. after using it for a month, i'm really fed up and plan on going back to the cheapo cover girl stuff, which never gave me problems. i guess change isn't always good.

TRY
(l'oreal everpure)

i picked up this shampoo because it finally gave me what i was looking for: color protection and moisture. it's hard to find a system that does both, and does it well, that isn't too expensive (well, at least for me). i was pleasantly surprised with it, and it kept my highlights bright for a really long time, and moisturized well. it's great because it doesn't contain sulfates, which is one of the worst things for your hair, especially colored hair. it also smells wonderful! if you're in the market for something new, i suggest you give this a try.

BUY
(dior diorshow mascara in black)

BUY!!! buy now!! there is a reason this mascara is voted #1 every year. its been a bestseller at sephora for years, and is just overall amazing. it doesn't clump, doesn't come off and flake during the day (something i struggle with), and comes off very easily. i'm so glad i was finally able to get it and will NEVER go back to anything else!!

must-have spotlight: bare minerals

if you've ever watched TV, chances are you've seen the bare minerals informercial at least once. you may be skeptical, or you may already use the product and love it. if you're in the former group, i'm here to convince you otherwise.

i think bare minerals is quite possibly the best makeup i've ever used. after years of dealing with liquid foundations that broke me out, then mixing and matching different drugstore formulas, i finally broke down and spent the money for the good stuff - and i've never looked back.

not only has this makeup helped clear up my face, which has in turn built my confidence, it has actually cut DOWN on the amount of makeup i buy. despite being a bit pricey, it actually lasts longer than most products out there. i purchased the starter kit in october 2009. the two shades that came with the kit lasted me until february 2010, with everyday application. i bought a full sized color, and that lasted me until mid-august. a full 6 months! i'm still using the starter bronzer (warmth) and have plenty left. the mineral veil gets used a little faster, but is well worth its price and the amount used. when used with the prime time foundation primer, the kit really makes your skin flawless. not to mention the full-sized brushes that come in the kit - great quality tools that maximize coverage and add value to your investment.

i haven't tried the other products in the BM line, like the eyeshadows and blushes, because i have plenty of other stuff i'm trying out first, but i'm sure it's just as good. if you haven't jumped on the BM bandwagon yet, i highly urge you to head to your nearest sephora (or bare minerals store!) and get color matched. it only takes a few seconds, and you're on your way to changing your skin for the better!

(ftc disclaimer: these are my honest opinions, i am not being paid or sponsored by a company for this review)