Painted Earth SuperWear Gel Liners in Noir, Mystic, Sienna, Baroque and Florentine REVIEW & SWATCHES

Press Samples (Unaffiliated Links)

Quality gel pencil eye liners have certainly been on the minds of beauty editors and bloggers for a while now, and while there are continually more flooding the marketplace trying to claim pride of place in every makeup enthusiasts makeup bag-- we all know they are not created equally. I found love at first swatch when I started using Painted Earth's SuperWear Gel Liner in Baroque (initially reviewed here), and now have the pleasure of sharing all of the available shades. 

 According to Painted Earth,

This gel eyeliner is the ultimate smooth, smudge-proof easy to apply eye liner formula. Intense color pay-off, long-lasting, excellent coverage and an extremely high-shine effect.  Super moisturizing and hydrating ingredients, including Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, give the pencil a very soft and smooth application. No touch-up is required.

Top to Bottom (Left to Right): Noir, Mystic, Sienna, Baroque & Florentine.

Noir is a rich ultra-pigmented black.

Mystic is a shimmering gun metal gray.

Sienna is a rich dark brown.

Baroque is a stunning rich golden bronze with a slight olive green undercurrent.

Florentine is a breathtaking purple.

Painted Earth SuperWear Gel Liners are unquestionably among the very finest on the market, and they rival the quality of luxury brands at a fraction of the price. All five colors boast outstanding pigmentation, intense color saturation, soft and creamy smooth application and superior wear-time. Furthermore, the moisturizing formula is kind to the eyes, but surprisingly the emollient formula does not encourage transfer or smudging. I have found that once the liners set they don't budge until you remove, but if you have oily eyelids your wear-time may vary.

Look at the beautiful deeply saturated colors!

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, C11-12 Isoparaffin, Paraffin, Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil), Hydrogenated Cotton Seed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina) Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower)Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea Gratissma (Avocado) Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Persea Gratissma (Avocado) Oil, Unsaponifiables, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate.

Overall Assessment: Painted Earth SuperWear Gel Liners are breathtakingly beautiful and long-wearing eyeliners of extraordinary quality. If you love gel eyeliner pencils, then you owe it to yourself to add these beauties to your collection-- you won't be sorry!

$18.50 each from Painted Earth (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Painted Earth Dimensional Cake Liners in Black Diamond, Chocolate Spice and Plum Crazy REVIEW & SWATCHES

Press Samples (Unaffiliated Links)

I am fanatical about eye liners-- whether in the form of pencils, gel pot liners, liquid liners or cake liners. I went through a long phase where I used only cake liners, and once I hit the pan on my last Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner I got distracted by other pretty shiny things and moved on. However, I love the precision and wear-time of cake liners, and really enjoy the process of dipping the wet brush into the pan. Furthermore, unlike liquid, gel, or pencil liners one can really manipulate the consistency of cake liners by adjusting the amount of water used. I tend to like the consistency to be a bit thicker since it makes it quite easy to achieve maximum opacity. 

I had recently been in search of a new cake liner formula, and when I noted that Painted Earth had a beautiful selection I was thrilled! Of Painted Earth's four stunning shades, I have three: Black Diamond, Chocolate Spice & Plum Crazy (there is also a stunning shade called Blue Moon).

According to Painted Earth,

Part matte, part shimmer. Pair the two to add definition and drama. Transform eyes with this professionally paired cake eyeliner duo that delivers high definition, real drama and true long lasting color. Use the matte side to define; the shimmering side to dramatize. 

They are Hypoallergenic. Paraben and fragrance-free. 

Black Diamond features a matte black and a black with gorgeous cool toned blue shimmer.

Chocolate Spice features a matte chocolate brown and a chocolate brown with golden shimmer.

Plum Crazy features a matte plum brown and stunning purple with golden shimmer.

 All three sets, and indeed all six shades apply effortlessly, boast rich saturated color and long-wear.

I used a damp brush to apply each of the shades, and all 6 shades apply uniformly, and none of them flake or peel. Furthermore, when using a damp brush I experienced no fall out from the shimmery shades. I love all three immensely, but am particularly thrilled by Black Diamond at the moment. I am certain that the same will be said for Chocolate Spice and Plum Crazy as well. Do note that the shimmer shade in Black Diamond, whitens the appearance of the eyes-- creating a lovely brightening effect. The juxtaposition of the blue shimmer against the black ground brightens the eyes without looking artificial or garish, and the effects are nothing short of stunning.

While I find the shimmer shades in each palette to be astoundingly beautiful and infinitely flattering-- I would not recommend tightlining with them because of the shimmer particles. I have very sensitive eyes so I am vigilant when applying makeup to keep things out of my eyes-- particularly shimmer or glitter particles.

Twinkle twinkle little cake liners....

If you still haven't tried anything from Painted Earth, you really should consider it. It is a small independently owned company that believes in making high quality earth-friendly and human-friendly products. 

Painted Earth was founded to offer an alternative to pore-clogging chemical skincare products, and our exclusively organic, natural and non-toxic products don't force users to sacrifice health for beauty; instead they make accentuating beauty a healthier process.

On top of their dedication to human health, Painted Earth also looks out for the welfare of our furry friends, and does not condone animal testing or use animal by-products.

Why settle for a basic skincare line? Painted Earth products are infused with advanced ingredients, making it easy to transform skin from blah to beautiful. When it comes to finding the perfect skincare products for any complexion needs, it all starts with the ingredients.

Overall Assessment: A stunning modern take on an old school classic! A definite must-have if you love cake liners! I will be complete once I buy Blue Moon!

$16.50 each from Painted Earth (Unaffiliated Link).

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Painted Earth Vitamin C Eye Treatment Gel Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Lately it has been very warm here in Los Angeles, and when the weather heats up I opt to use skincare products that are lighter weight, fast absorbing, and fuss-free. I have found myself repeatedly reaching for the Painted Earth Vitamin C Eye Treatment Gel because it satisfies my hot weather wish-list for lightweight, fast absorbing, and utterly fuss free products. The formula is soothing, cooling and refreshing, and during really warm weather I like to store it in the refrigerator to really amplify the cooling effects. I was worried that the Vitamin C formula may have irritated or sting my sensitive eyes, but thankfully it did not!

On the occasions that I get puffy eyes from lack of sleep, this eye gel quickly deflates them. When I do get dark circles it definitely does help, but not all dark circles can be impacted by topical treatments-- one has to be able to identify the cause of their dark circles in order to determine the appropriate treatment. The causes range from aging and sun damage, to allergies, genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, anemia to name but a few causes. 

I have found that Painted Earth Vitamin C Eye Treatment Gel provides me with enough hydration, and that it softens and plumps fine lines. That said, my under eye area is not dry so for me this can be used in lieu of an eye cream. If your under eye area tends to be dry, and you always seek heavier eye creams, then you can layer this gel beneath your eye cream.

According to Painted Earth,

Say Good-Bye to under eye bags. Our Vitamin C Eye Gel is formulated with anti-aging and skin

brightening ingredients to combat puffiness, sagging skin, stubborn dark under eye circles, wrinkles and crow's feet. The formula is oil free, easy to apply, and helps soothe and refresh the look of the area

around your eyes. This eye treatment is a concentrated delivery system for the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C for radiant eyes.

Suggested Use: Apply a small amount of the Vitamin C Eye Gel onto your finger, then gently massage around the eye area. Use daily.

Ingredients: Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber Distillate), Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, LArginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical Hyaluronic Acid), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice), Wildcrafted Vinca Major (Periwinkle), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

5% Vitamin C. Cruelty-Free.

Overall Assessment: Using Painted Earth's Vitamin C Eye Treatment Gel is such a treat. It feels so good and it delivers real results. This is yet another winning product from Painted Earth!

$32.50 for 0.50 oz. from Painted Earth (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Essential Beauty Reading for the Week from the BBC! So Many Beautiful Things to Share!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: July Favorites for Keeping the Skin and Body Hydrated, Quenched and Refreshed!

Slashed Beauty: So you've heard a lot about Melted lipsticks, you've heard a lot about Glazed Lip Paints, but how do they hold up side by side? Check out this comparison!

TheFabZilla: I saw. It came. I ogled. TheFabZilla reviews the new Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Set.

Glamorable!: Check out Anastasia's swatches of Le Metier de Beaute Limited Edition Gemini Kiss Lip Kaleidoscope.

Beyond Beauty Lounge : Find out if the L'oreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation lives up to its claims.

Beauty by Miss L: Avon Art Of Change nail polish, which will change its color after you have applied top coat.

Color Me So Crazy: Do You Want to See the Very First Holographic Polish I Owned?

I Know all the Words: Looking for the perfect drugstore lipstick? Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick might just be the best yet.

Makeup Life and Love: Take a BITE out of beauty this week as Jamie reviews her latest rose gold beauty find...

Never Say Die Beauty: If you've got tough to curl lashes, check out Allison's post.

BeautyTidbits: Heading off to a summer beach getaway? Check out these 10 Beach Bag Essentials - all under $15!

Be Happy and Buy Polish: Jessica went a bit edgy and a bit pretty with one of her manicures this week.

Lipgloss Break: Learn more about a new rosacea treatment and enter to win a Cetaphil Gift pack.

NEW Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Cream Foundation SPF 15 and Concealing Pen NOW at Neiman Marcus

(Affiliate Link)

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH!

Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Cream Foundation SPF 15 and Concealing Pen are now available at Neiman Marcus! 

Sunday Sun Day Volume XVII: Sun Bum SPF 70 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Sun Bum never ceases to delight me with their high quality, extremely effective, and wonderfully moisturizing sunscreens. Sun Bum SPF 70 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but it also simultaneously moisturizes the skin with its Vitamin E rich formula that helps to fight free-radicals that are damaging to the skin and cause premature aging. This water-resistant formula makes this high SPF formula the perfect companion for days spent playing in the sun. This is the perfect choice for surfing and generally playing in the water.

According to Sun Bum,

This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.

Features / Benefits:

• Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789
• Water Resistant / 80 Minutes
• Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free
• Gluten Free
• Hypoallergenic
• Photostable
• Vitamin E Enriched
• Cruelty Free

Sun Bum SPF 70 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion has a very pleasant beachy scent that reminds me of warm summer days.

Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octocrylene 2.80%, Oxybenzone 6.00%. Behenyl Alcohol, Bht, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethyl Capramide, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Glyceryl Stearate, Methylisothiazolinone, Peg-100 Stearate, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Polyester-8, Silica, Sodium Polyacrylate, Styrene/acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trideceth-6, Trimethyl Siloxysilicate, Vp/hexadecene Copolymer, Water, Xanthan Gum.

Overall Assessment: Another fantastic sunscreen from Sun Bum. I've said it before, and I will say it again: there is a very good reason why surfers love and trust Sun Bum. I do too! Of course one must always be vigilant in avoiding over-exposure to the sun, and sunscreens need to be reapplied frequently in order to be effective (every 1-2 hours). A+ product!

$15.99 for 8 oz. Available from Sun Bum, Nordstrom, Dermstore, Ulta, Swell, Beauty Encounter and Paragon Sports (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

MoistureWORX Skin Protection Spray Review

 Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

MoistureWORX Skin Protection Spray is a very effective skin protector and hydrator that works wonders on chapped skin. It has a very lightweight non-greasy formula that is conveniently fuss-free and mess-free. The high percentage of White Petrolatum locks in moisture and forms an effective skin barrier that protects it against irritants. The fine mist delivers the perfect amount of product-- so there is never the concern about over application. Instead of reaching for my jar of Aquaphor I have been reaching for MoistureWORX, and it is every bit as effective, but without the goopy mess. I cannot comment on how well MoistureWORX performs on the face since I only use this type of product on my body when I have any chapped or irritated skin. I have tried it on my feet accompanied by fluffy socks, and I have to say that it works very well in this capacity-- leaving my feet soft and moisturized. 

According to MoistureWORX,

This versatile and convenient spray moisturizer provides the proven benefits of white petrolatum, without the mess. It goes on clean, is non-greasy and won’t clog your pores.Unlike many dry skin care products, the MoistureWORX clinically proven nanotechnology formula enhances the natural lipid barrier of your skin. It keeps moisture in and locks irritants out without clogging your pores.

Product claims:

• All-day protection (up to 8 hours) from skin irritants
• Soothe, smooth and soften rough, dry and cracked skin
• Protect from the drying effects of wind, cold and sun
• Fragrance free & tested for sensitive skin
• Keeps your skin hydrated by supporting the “lipid cement” that locks in moisture
• Protects chapped or cracked, compromised skin
• Softens rough, dry skin
• Gentle for sensitive skin, won’t clog your pores

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: 30% White Petrolatum, USP, Water, Glyceryl Distearate, Steareth-10, Cholesterol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben.

Overall Assessment: This is a really nice new staple to keep on hand, and it offers a fuss-free and mess-free method of application, and it effectively and effortlessly moisturizes and protects chapped skin.

$37.00 for 4 oz. Available from DERMWORX (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Looking for Some Beauty Product Inspiration? Check Out What the Beauty Blogazons are Loving!

• TheFabZilla: Stunning when dry, phenomenal when wet. Check out TheFabZilla's review of NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Subra and Himalia.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you have pale cool-toned skin, then Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light is a dream come true!
• Glamorable!: Glamorable unboxed her Memebox Baby Powder Scentbox. Take a look at the products inside!
• Beauty Apocalypse : Read all about the CK One birthday freebie mascara.
• Beyond Beauty Lounge : Find out if the L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation lives up to its claims.
• Color Me So Crazy: Check out my "Redo"- I recreated Nail Art I Did 2 Years Ago.
• Beauty by Miss L: Simple and eye-catching manicure with 3D nail art stickers.
• Never Say Die Beauty: Trying to use more natural and organic products? Check it out!
• New World Beautiful: I dug up some family treasure and found a lesson in real life vintage beauty.
• Makeup Life and Love: Skin enhancing serum for all skin types- is there such a thing? Head over to Makeup Life and Love as Jamie reveals her latest skincare find....

In Loving Praise and Support of My Beloved Fannie

This is my beloved Fannie, a creature so extraordinary that it brings tears to my eyes as I think about the nearly 15 years that I have loved this amazing cat. Fannie and her siblings were dumped, like garbage, at a community college near the university where I teach, and thankfully a kindly human was able to capture them and bring them to a rescue organization. For me, it was love at first sight. I suspect, given her reaction to me, it was mutual. Fannie has always been a healthy, spry and adventurous creature, and has seldom given me cause for concern let alone excessive worry.

Recently, however, we had to bring her to the vet because she managed to scratch her ear and it became infected. We thought that the only thing that we were facing was a round of antibiotics, but sadly that was not the case. Since she is considered a senior, despite the fact that she has always maintained the behavior and disposition of a young cat, the vet wanted to run a few tests to see how she was doing. She had lost some weight, as older cats often do, but not at an alarming rate that raised any real flags. What the tests revealed was the fact that my beloved girl is anemic and in renal failure. She has never given any indication of any sort of illness-- tipped off by unusual or changed behavior. She has lost 2/3 of her kidney function-- yet she still runs about as though she were a healthy youngster, at least most of the time.

The vet suggested an overnight stay to flush the excessive enzymes from Fannie's bloodstream since her kidneys clearly were no longer functioning at optimal levels. She came home scared and listless, but after a few days she rebounded and was clearly feeling much better. She does require lots of monitoring, lots of feeding, and plenty of daily vitamins to counteract the anemia. Since I am currently working from home before the new quarter begins I have plenty of time to take care of her, and I do so around the clock. I'm tired and sleep deprived because I sleep with one eye open to take care of her, but I am not complaining-- there is nothing that I wouldn't do to take care of this glorious creature. 

However, I am not comfortable leaving her alone for long stretches of time-- so I keep my errands short and sweet, and to a minimum when at all possible. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible-- as was the case the other day. We had to pick up one of our cars from servicing across town in Santa Monica, and as any Angelino will tell you-- it takes 20 minutes to get wherever it is you are going in LA. Well, that is unless President Obama is in town. I had heard on the news that he was attending a fundraiser at the home of Shonda Rhimes that day, but somehow failed to listen closely enough-- so I assumed that it would be in some amazing mansion somewhere on the Westside. What I managed to miss in the goings on in my neighborhood was the fact that the Scandal and Grey's Anatomy creator bought one of my very favorite houses literally 1 1/2 blocks from my house (trust me when I tell you that her block and mine are as different as Earth and Mars, and I would gladly switch blocks and houses-- though I am quite sure this would cause her to laugh). So the moment that we pulled out of our driveway we realized something was amiss, and the presidential and celebrity traffic gridlock forced us to take an insanely circuitous route to get from point A to point B. The sheer number of street closures and the number of secret service vehicles is enough to make your head spin. So what should have taken an LA 20 Minutes to get to Santa Monica took an eternity, and the way home was no better. 

Naturally my concern was leaving Fannie home unattended for a long stretch of time since I have been dedicating so much time to her care (and my apologies if I am taking longer than usual to return emails- this is why). Fortunately Fannie was fine when we got home, and I fed her a huge plate of food outside away from the prying eyes of the other felines who aren't fed what seems to be 1000 times a day to maintain their strength and health. While she appears to be doing well, all things considered, it makes me very sad to think about the health challenges that she faces.

I cannot imagine my life without Fannie, and 15 years together is no short time shared. So I live with a combination of sadness and joy, and will do everything in my power to keep her happy and as healthy as possible.

Top to Bottom (Left to Right): Emma, Luca, Sebastian & Fannie.

This picture is of my Fearless Fabulous Four, of whom only Fannie now remains. It is always bittersweet to think back to these wonderful days when they were all happy and healthy, and living. I will never cease to miss these times, and my three departed beloved babies. Please send all of your good vibes to my beloved Fannie. =^..^=

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Ready, Set, Go: The Beauty Spotlight Team Has Fab Beauty Posts!

Channing Tatum anyone? Perilously Pale shares a preview of the Pur Mineral Jupiter Ascending Collection. Maybe there will be a bit of Channing around too.

Phyrra is giving away the Pur Minerals Jupiter Ascending Collection. Now that you've seen it, you'll want to enter.

Prime Beauty is part of an EPIC blogger giveaway! Enter to win an amazing 30-pan MAC Eye Shadow Palette filled with each blogger's favorite shade!!

Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves delectable rose-infused skincare products, and here are her top picks!

It's the perfect time for neon polish and polish insomniac has some beauties from Salon Perfect.

Mostly Sunny leaves her comfort zone with Dior Rosy Glow. See why this was a great move.

Don't forget to give your hands a little loving like Pammy Blogs Beauty does with Perlier Shea Butter White Lily Hand Cream.

Summer hair getting you down? Or rather up with all that frizz? Find out what 15 Minute Beauty can teach you about Frizz Fighters.

Shower or bath? Whichever it is Beauty Info Zone says follow up with A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Lotion. The fragrance is divine.

Pink Sith wants to know what it would take for you to buy a $50 nail polish.

Next to cosmetic shopping what do you like best? Carrie from eyeliner on a cat thinks shoes make a great choice.

The Painted Rogue has some favorite You Tube Channels. Are any of these on your list?