Beauty Box 5 June 2017 Unveiling

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Each month BB5 curates a theme-based beauty box that features five products that range from full-size to samples. The June box, with its Get it Girl theme, features four full size products, and one deluxe sample. I should note that I received my June BB5 box at the end of the month because it had been mis-delivered to a neighbor instead, and that is why I am posting it late.

The June Box contents:

Prestige Cosmetics My Biggest Lashes Mascara (Full Size. Retail $7.50): I am looking forward to trying this mascara because they claim that its, "plush brush grabs close to roots to boost high volume with no clumping." #PRESTIGECOSMETICS

Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner (Full Size. Retail $6.99): I have to confess that I am one of the few beauty bloggers who has not tried Jesse's Girl, and am therefore happy to try this liquid eyeliner. Instead of traditional black, this is a bright pop of blue that is perfect for the summer. Jesse's Girl describes it as a "calligraphy-style brush" that allows for great control and precision. #IWANTJESSESGIRL

Laritzy Lip Pencil (Full Size. Retail $18.00): I love a high quality lip pencil that is long-wearing, feather-proof, and ultra-pigmented, and it looks as though the Laritzy Lip Pencil fits the bill. #LARITZY

Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette (Mini Sampler): I have been curious about Coastal Scents, and this cute mini palette is going right into my travel bag because the size is absolutely perfect for short weekend trips.They suggest that these shadows are highly pigmented and buildable, and I look forward to experimenting with them. #COASTALSCENTS

DID Hair Jeweled Hair Tie Set (Full Size. Retail $7.50): I have long hair, and I simply cannot have enough hair ties. I stash them everywhere, including on my wrist, and this type never pulls the hair or causes creases. #DIDHAIR

Overall Assessment: The June box is a great value, and it by far exceeds the $12.00 price of admission!

Have you tried BB5 yet? What you you think about the June Box?

About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.

All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.

Press Sample Courtesy of Beauty Box 5 All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beauty Box 5 March 2017 | Unveiling and Review #BB5

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Each month BB5 curates a theme-based beauty box that features five products that range from full-size to samples. The March box is all about creating dramatic eyes!

The March Box theme and contents:

Sweep Lashes (Full Size. Retail $15.00): This is a really affordable way to try falsies. Directions: Measure lashes to your lash line, and trim. Then apply adhesive to the lash band and wait 30-45 seconds until the glue is tacky– then place right above natural lashes. #sweepbeauty

Sweep Lash Helper (Full Size. Retail $9.99): This innovative tool was specifically created to help you perfectly place false eyelashes directly on your lash line. Directions: Once the lash is in the head of the tool, then tilt chin up for an easier view and apply. #sweepbeauty

Manna Kadar Lash Primer (Deluxe Sample. Retail Full Size $24.00): If you aren't looking to wear falsies, but instead want to lengthen and bulk up your natural lashes, then apply a lash primer before your mascara. This creamy formula features, "proteins and hydration for hair follicles and prevents mascara from flaking." #mannakadar #mannababe

Prestige Cosmetics True Metals Eyeshadow in Gilded (Full Size. $9.75): This gorgeous antique gold metallic eyeshadow can be worn wet or dry for a high impact foiled look. This powder eyeshadow is so creamy and finely milled that you can apply it with your finger or a brush. #prestigecosmetics

Bellapierre Cosmetics Cosmetic Glitter in Spectra (Full Size. $15.00): This multipurpose cosmetic glitter can be used with a mixing medium, or directly on the skin. It can even be added to a bubble bath for an all-over sheen. For dramatic flair, pat on top of your eyeshadow! #bellapierre

Left to Right: Prestige Cosmetics True Metals Eyeshadow in Gilded, Manna Kadar Lash Primer and Bellapierre Cosmetics Cosmetic Glitter in Spectra.

Top to Bottom: Bellapierre Cosmetics Cosmetic Glitter in Spectra and Prestige Cosmetics True Metals Eyeshadow in Gilded.

Overall Assessment: The March 2017 BB5 box is an unbelievable value given that four of the five products are full size. My very favorite product is the Prestige Cosmetics True Metals Eyeshadow in Gilded– it is so gorgeous, and I will wear it a lot! I tried smudging it over black eyeliner, and the effect was absolutely stunning! 

Have you tried BB5 yet? What you you think about the January and February Boxes?

About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.

All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.

Press Sample Courtesy of Beauty Box 5 All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beauty Box 5 June 2016 Unveiling and Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Each month BB5 curates a theme-based box, and their June offerings, Made in the Shade, are all about the summer-ready sun-kissed complexion sans soleil!

The Contents:

Prestige Cosmetics Brow & Lash Brush (Retail: $3.25): This double-ended brow and lash brush tames brows, and it combs out clumps of mascara. It's also 1small enough to stow away in your makeup bag. #prestigecosmetics

Manna Kadar Radiance Bronzer & Highlighter (Full Size. Retail $24.00): This gorgeous duo, which is silky smooth and ultra-finely pigmented, produces the perfect sun-kissed glow.  Bronze, highlight  and contour with this beauty, but you might also want to use it as an eyeshadow as well! #mannakadar

Sweep Oval Contour & Highlighting Brush (Retail $15.00): Use this perfectly-sized oval head to gently dust on highlighter, and to precisely place and blend your bronzer or blush. The ultra-soft, and densely packed, bristles allow for effortless application. #sweepbeauty

Versaspa Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer (Deluxe Sample. Retail Full Size $35.00): "Hydrate skin, blur fine lines and gradually create a beautiful tan with this daily face moisturizer. Apply this weightless formula to your face and neck in a circular motion and allow 4-6 hours before getting wet to reveal renewed skin!" #versaspa

Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus Treatment Sheet Mask (Retail $8.00): This natural fiber mask is infused with Blue Lotus and restorative Asian botanicals that deliver antioxidants to nourish skin and improve its texture. #purlisse

Manna Kadar Radiance Bronzer & Highlighter

Overall Assessment: The June BB5 box is such a great value, and it features five really nice summer-ready products. Two beauty tools, a bronzer/highlighter duo, a sheet mask and a gradual tanning moisturizer make this a great value, and a perfect summer-ready box for sun-kissed skin without the sun.

Have you tried BB5 yet? What you you think about the May Box?

About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.

All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.

Press Sample Courtesy of www.beautybox5.com All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Back to School Drugstore Finds on a Budget For the Face, Hair & Body

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Back to School is a time that is both fraught with excitement and nervous energy. The accompanying dread that is a result of yet again facing the unknown of a new school year is often offset by the eagerly anticipated back-to-school shopping. The typical college student tends to live in a frugal manner, and has to find practical ways to indulge while not cutting into their hefty tuition, textbook and rental budget. After receiving several emails asking for a list of drugstore finds from avid readers, who just so happen to be college students on tight budgets, I came up with this list of generally easy to find drugstore products that will allow you to indulge without  blowing your budget. One of the issues that they repeatedly said that they face is the fact that they live with lots of roommates and share their bathrooms. Many of them asserted that they wanted large size products that were very affordable since they would invariably end up being shared with their friends and roommates. Therefore, I tried to select very affordable larger size products whenever possible. While it may seem rather obvious I am compelled to say that I would avoid sharing the eyeliners, lip balms, deodorants and in many cases the hair accessories for the obvious sanitary reasons.

Masks & Strips:

Freeman Facial Hydration Mask Goji Berry ($3.99 for 6 oz. Drugstore.com and Freeman): Soothe away skin stress with this nourishing gel/cream mask, fortified with soothing Chamomile and antioxidant Goji Berry. Replenish to rebalance skin's equilibrium for super smooth, super-hydrated skin that's in a state of bliss. Perfect for stressed, dehydrated skin.

Key Ingredients: Goji Berry Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract and Avocado Oil

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf juice, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Benzyl Benzoate.

Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask Cucumber ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): A super-cooling, skin-quenching mask that gently peels away impurities that can cause skin to be rough and dull. Contains Cucumber Extract and Aloe to soothe while moisturizing, ensuring skin feels soft and silky-smooth after every use. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

Key Ingredients: Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera and Vitamin A.

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Peg-8, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract , Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract , Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract , Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract , Nasturtium Officinale Extract , Aleurites Moluccana Extract, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Freeman Facial Revealing Peel-Off Mask Pomegranate ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): Immerse skin with super nutrients found only in nature! This Pomegranate-infused mask gently purges dirt and excess oils from skin for a cleaner, refined surface. An 8-antioxidant blend of Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, and Pomegranate guard against free radicals and environmental stress. Get gorgeous as you reveal fresher skin. Perfect for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Pomegranate, Vitamins A and E.
Antioxidant Blend: Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, Pomegranate

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Peg-8, SD Alcohol 40-B, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel/Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).

All three of the Freeman Masks are fun to use, and they offer great results. Each of the big tubes are very affordable, and will last a while-- even if you share them with your roommates!

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (8 Strips for $6.89 from Drugstore.com): Deep cleansing nose strips instantly remove dirt, oil and blackheads for cleanser, smaller-looking pores. These are so much fun to use, and they offer a highly effective way to clear clogged pores on your nose.

Clogged pores... they may be a fact of life, but don't let them rule your life.  Biore deep cleansing pore strips are a weekly pore refining treatment for the nose area that instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads.  Tests show that in just one use, Biore® deep cleansing pore strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of build-up and blackheads for cleaner pores.  In fact, when used regularly.  Biore® deep cleansing pore strips actually diminish the appearance of your pores.  Bioré  nose strips have an innovative slit design for improved fit.  Do not use more often than once every three days. Dermatologist tested, Hypo-allergenic.

Ingredients: Polyquaternoim-37, Silica, Water, Glycerin, Polysilicone-13, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Methylparaben.

Body Sprays & Lotions:

Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Fragrance Mist ($4.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses. 

Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Moisturizing Body Cream ($5.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses. Feel the skin softening and moisturizing benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730), Green 3 (CI 42053).

Adidas Pure Lightness Body Spray (About $8.89 for 4 oz. on Amazon): Pure Lightness is described as "a luminous fresh floral fragrance revealing a graceful and balanced style." It's a fresh, clean and easy to wear fuss-free floral.  Stay fresh all day while on the move. Whether you want to feel energized or dreamy, happy or relaxed, invigorated or natural, adidas has the unique fragrance to capture their mood. Featuring three signature scents - the luminous, fresh Pure Lightness, the sweet, flirty Fruity Rhythm and the playful and bold Natural Vitality - feel healthy, fresh and beautiful all day.

Bodycology Instant Attraction Moisturizing Body Cream in Orchid and Pear ($4.99-$6.99 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Feel the benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.

Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist in Orchid and Pear ($4.99 for 8 oz. Walgreens and Target): Delight in the luxury experience of Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist's sensuous fragrance. The Orchid and Pear combination is fun and easy to wear without being overdone. 

Deodorants:

Soft & Dri Aluminum Free Powder Fresh Deodorant ($2.29 from Drugstore.com): Soft & Dri Aluminum Free deodorant provides highly-effective all-day protection from odor only, with a gentle fragrance that gives you that confident feeling of clean. Made in Canada. This is a great deodorant alternative if you aren't a fan of natural deodorants, but also avoid the more commercial brands that contain aluminum.

• All Day Odor Protection
• Targets the Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Won't Stain Clothes

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Stearate, PEG-6, Methyl Ether, Triclocarban, Red 33, Fragrance.

Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Beautiful Earth Deodorant ($4.99 for 2.25 oz. from Drugstore.com): 100% natural clinically tested 24 hour odor protection. Conditions and soothes the skin. Contains no Aluminum and no Parabens. Does not contain artificial or animal ingredients. If you are a fan of natural deodorants that contain fewer chemicals-- then Tom's of Maine offers a large selection of effective deodorants. They have a lovely selection of scented deodorants, but also have unscented versions.

Ingredients: Propanediol (100% Vegetable Derived), Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Organic), Zinc Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Laurate, Natural Fragrance, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Humulus Lupulus (hops) Extract (C02), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower)

Styling Products:

These hair styling products are super-sized and affordable-- so you probably won't mind leaving them on the bathroom counter for your roommates to use. The serum will work on all hair types for shine, smoothing and managing frizz, but the three styling products are targeted to wavy and curly hair.

La Bella Super Shine Polishing Serum (6 oz. $4.99-$5.99 from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): Eliminates frizz and flyaway hair.  Polishes and seals the cuticle to help protect chemically treated hair.  Re-hydrates and conditions the hair, leaving it manageable, shiny and smooth.  Advanced lightweight formula provides heat protection and helps prevent split-ends and breakage.  Ideal for all hair types.

Ingredients: C13 14 Isoparaffin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Fragrance

La Bella Lots of Curls Styling Gel (22 oz. for $2.99 from CVS): Scrunch & shape. Smooth curls with touchable hold. Professional formula. Revitalizes and controls. Unique two in one formula holds and activates. Scientifically formulated to enhance curls, giving curls greater definition, bounce and shine. Holds hair in place, and minimizes frizzies. Performs best on naturally curly, wavy, and permed hair. Alcohol free. No build up or flaking. Safe for color treated hair. Will not affect hair color. No animal testing. Made in USA.

Ingredients: Water, Sorbitol, PVP, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Keratin Amino Acids, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Aminomethyl Propanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 20, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Red 33.

L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel ($2.79 for 20 oz. from Drugstore.com): Curly hair craves hydration. Quench your curls’ thirst with L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel. Formulated with hydrating avocado oil, this mega hold gel makes your curls soft, touchable swirls that really twirl. Get defined, conditioned, frizz-free curls without a heavy, greasy feel. Fall in love with a perfect bounce that lasts all day!

L.A. Looks Absolute Curls ($3.35 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Define your curls without stiffness. For touchable, flawless looking curls, get LA Looks Absolute Curls, a lightweight, whipped creme with flexible hold to help define, texturize and style.  This creme has a combination of shea butter, argan oil and proteins to help smooth unruly hair, control frizz and lock in moisture for a long lasting soft, natural looking finish.  No matter what type of hold you need, extreme, defined or flexible, LA 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Dimethicone, VP, Methacrylamide, Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Polysorbate 80, Myristyl Myristate, Acrylates, Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance

Conair Bamboo-Carbon Ceramic Heat 1.125" Flat Iron ($25.00 from Walmart): Customize your look with Conair! This sleek new versatile flat iron helps you achieve the hairstyle you desire whether it’s smooth hair in seconds or even curls. It has an easy-glide nano bamboo carbon ceramic surface which is one of the latest technological advances in hair appliances. Ultra-smooth plates glide through hair fast and styling product residue removes easily after each use.  It features bamboo extract which is known for its strengthening properties, and the ceramic evenly distributes heat to eliminate hot spots that can damage hair.

The new easy-glide floating plate is designed with a little give to "float" in the iron. This provides better contact with hair and eliminates gaps to achieve straighter results faster.

The carbon provides maximum anti-static and anti-frizz protection for high-intensity shine and manageability. The ribbed texture on outer housing guides hair to curl as you turn the iron to create more volume. It's an easy way to add shape to straight styles. 

This tool is designed for all hair types from fine to curly to most resistant and has 30 heat settings that reach up to 410°F. It has a 30-second heat-up and a uniform heat recovery system to maintain

a constant temperature.

HAIRUWEAR Color Strips Extensions ($10.00 from Ulta): If you want to have colored hair accents without the hassle of permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary dyes-- then these fun color strips are easy and fun. 

To add instant color accents to any hairstyle, try Put On Pieces Human Hair Clip-In Color Strips. These Clip-In Color Strips are 16" long on a 1" weft and can be curled or straightened with thermal styling tools to blend perfectly with any style you create. Available in fun fantasy tones: Amethyst, Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple, Red, Black, Teal, and Light Purple. For more information visit: www.hairuwear.com.

Scünci makes so many fun and affordable hair products, and Drugstore.com has a wonderful and affordable selection. From expandable headbands to hair ties-- I always have a large selection of their hair accessories on hand

From the fun jewel encrusted Bendini Clips to their fabulous No Slip Grip Jaw Clips, many of their products are well under $5.00.

Scünci No Slip Grip Jaw Clips have an ingenious design thanks to the rubber no-slip interior panels that keep hair in place and prevents the clip from falling out. 

I love these and have piles of them in lots of different sizes. They offer a nice alternative to a pony tale and will let you get out the door and off to class without having to fuss over your hair, and without sacrificing style.

Or if you want a little more flair for your hair-- then the beaded Upzing might be your thing!

Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliners ($3.95- $4.40 each from Prestige Cosmetics, Ulta and Drugstore.com): Intense colors with deep black undertones, long lasting wear and soft application. 100% Waterproof and smudge proof formula.

Total Intensity Eyeliners feature gorgeous and sumptuous jewel toned colors with an an iridescent twist.  They boast intense pigmentation, and once they set they are truly budge proof. You will definitely need a oil based or duo phase type of eye makeup remover in order to remove these beauties. The liners are soft and creamy, and the color pay off is just astounding.They are so soft and creamy, in fact, that a light hand is best to avoid product loss. For this reason, I find it a good idea to store them in a cool place.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffin, C11 12 Isoparaffin, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba), Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163). Made in Germany.

Left to Right: Lively Turquoise, Strong Slate, Fearless Teal, Powerful Purple, Intense Olive,
Daring Green and Bold Brown.

Lively Turquoise- a very bright and saturated turquoise with shimmer.

Strong Slate- a beautiful blackened charcoal slate with shimmer.

Fearless Teal- a rich blackened teal with shimmer.

Powerful Purple- an intensely elegant blackened purple with shimmer that is infinitely wearable.

Intense Olive- a stunning highly saturated slightly blackened olive green with gorgeous shimmer.

Daring Green- a deep gorgeous highly saturated blackened green with shimmer.

Bold Brown- a rich deep opulent nearly matte brown.

ChapStick Hydration Lock in Vanilla Creme (0.15 oz $2.99 from Drugstore.com): With a light, silky texture for instant smoothness and enhanced lip feel Chapstick Hydration Lock Moisturizer is clinically proven to give advanced skin moisturization. Provides overall revitalization and visibly improves the appearance of your lips. Gives lips a fuller smoother appearance and eight hour moisture.

• Contains antioxidant CoQ10
• Contains hyaluronic filling spheres

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Poly (C6-12 Olefin), Isopropyl Myristate, Paraffin, Polyethylene, Petrolatum, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Euphoria Cerifera Wax (Candelilla), Beeswax, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isohexadecane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearyl Dimethicone, C10-18 Triglycerides, Tocopheryl Acetate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Alumina, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Flavor, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Ubiquinone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol

Overall assessment: A tight budget doesn't mean that you have to forgo fun bath and beauty products, and with all of the necessary back-to-school purchases you can still pick up a few fun drugstore finds to pamper yourself as the new school year begins.

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

Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Reviews and Swatches

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At the expense of sounding like a broken record I think that what I have to say bears repeating: Prestige Cosmetics makes extraordinary quality products that rival their department store counterparts, but at affordable drugstore prices. Their products boast rich pigmentation, creamy textures, and astounding wear-time. Prestige Cosmetics offers proof positive that this can be achieved, but the real question is why doesn't every drugstore brand follow suit?!

I have a rather troubled relationship with waterproof eyeliners in that they either tend to be a bit too harsh for my sensitive eyes, or they aren't as transfer-proof as they purport to be. Others still, may deliver on their promise to be waterproof, but can be so hard that they require a tremendous amount of pressure to apply to the eyes in order to get any pigmentation. Therefore, my ultimate waterproof eyeliners have to be creamy and easy to apply, but that stay put once they set. They need to be transfer-proof, but at the same time easy to remove when it's time. Furthermore, they must be gentle and non-irritating on my sensitive eyes. Prestige Cosmetics has two different waterproof eyeliner formulas, and both check all of the boxes on my must-have list, and they do so extraordinarily well.

The Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner formula comes in 8 glorious colors ($5.50 each from Prestige Cosmetics, Ulta and Drugstore.com) (Affiliate Links).

The Prestige Waterproof Eyeliners offer very soft and creamy application with long-lasting fade and smudge-proof wear, and they are really truly waterproof. They are transfer-proof, and the colors are stunning! Furthermore, they stay put until you want to remove them! They are user friendly liners that require sharpening.

• Soft application • Long lasting wear • 100% Waterproof 

Star (10) is a gorgeous white with an eye-catching shimmer that is stunningly beautiful and eye-brightening! I have used it in the inner corner of my eyes, but haven't tried it on my waterline since it contains shimmer, and because I have very sensitive and easily irritated eyes.

Surf (17) is a stunning deep and complex navy blue with shimmer. It makes one of the most stunning eyeliners imaginable. It also pairs beautifully with Star. Surf is my eyeliner of choice this summer!

Contains Carmine as a Color Additive. Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffin, Mica, C11-12 Isoparaffin, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT. May Contain[+/-]: Mica CI 77019, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491/CI 77492/CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Carmine CI 75470, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163. 

The Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner formula comes in 10 gorgeous colors ($5.25 each from Prestige Cosmetics, Ulta and Drugstore.com) (Affiliate Links).

The Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Automatic Eyeliners offer very soft and creamy application with long-lasting fade and smudge-proof wear, and they are really truly waterproof. They are retractable and require no sharpening, and they are transfer-proof, and the colors are stunning! Furthermore, they stay put until you want to remove them!

• Retractable • Never needs sharpening • Long lasting wear

Flannel Grey (11) is a gorgeous infinitely wearable nearly charcoal grey.

Sepia (14) is a beautiful easy to wear brown.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Beeswax/Cera Alba, Mica, Hydroxylated Lanolin, Isohexadecane, Myristyl Lactate, Paraffin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina, Stearyl Heptanoate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Myristyl Alcohol, Polyethylene,Propylene Carbonate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May Contain [+/-]: Mica CI 77019, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491/CI 77492/CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Black 2 CI 77266, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163.

Top to Bottom: Flannel Grey (11) and Sepia (14)

Top to Bottom: Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner in Sepia, Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner in Flannel Grey, Waterproof Eyeliner in Star and Waterproof Eyeliner in Surf

Pretty pretty pretty!

 Left to Right: Star, Surf, Flannel Grey and Sepia

Overall Assessment: Waterproof perfection at bargain prices. It really doesn't get much better than that!

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

The Beauty Spotlight Team's Favorites Series: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog & Summer-Ready Minimalist Makeup & a Glowing Complexion

When I started thinking about what to feature for this new Beauty Spotlight Team Series, it hit me one day during my office hours on campus. As finals were rapidly approaching my office hours became increasingly more and more packed, and as I sat for hours answering questions and helping students out with their research papers-- I had the opportunity to continually observe that the vast majority of the students that I see on campus tend to wear very little makeup, if any at all, and generally have beautiful and vibrant glowing complexions. Perhaps this is in part a function of attending a university in Southern California since fashions tend to be quite relaxed and casual (read: beach attire), and the weather tends to be warm. Of course most of the undergraduate and graduate students tend to be young, and therefore their skin is naturally fresh and glowing. Whatever the reason, the female undergraduate and graduate students wear little makeup, and when they do it is barely-there, but just enough to accentuate their lovely features. The tendency is to wear lip gloss, maybe a touch of eyeliner, and perhaps a little mascara, and that's about it. So when I thought about how one might replicate their "looks" it occurred to me that it would involve no eye shadow, but would include minimal eyeliner in more natural shades, some mascara, a neutral lip color (nude to pink), some lip gloss, a blush, a bronzer, an illuminator, and a light foundation or tinted moisturizer. While this is surely far more than most coeds seem to wear at my particular campus at least-- in order to achieve a version of their looks meant selecting products that emphasized luminous skin coupled with barely-there minimal makeup.

This "Favorites" post is inspired by, and in honor of, my students. 

Sather Gate at UC Berkeley (source and information). 

Products featured are a combination of Press Samples and purchases made by me. There are links to my in-depth product reviews as well as a few affiliate links. Products were chosen based upon my love of them. Press Samples are denotes by the presence of an asterisk*

While I wanted to keep the focus on makeup, I did select three skincare items for their ability to impart brightened, luminous and even skin. I chose these three products because they brighten, add luminosity, even skin tone and while nourishing the skin.

Admittedly my selections featured below are luxurious rather than college budget friendly, but my intention is simply to select from my current favorites that achieve the glowing skin and barely-there makeup that I see on campus on a daily basis. Therefore, the products that I selected reflect my interpretation of the natural makeup look.

Since I adhere to the belief that beautiful makeup application begins with a beautiful canvas, I subscribe to the idea that the most important way to prep the skin is through a great skincare routine. I didn't want to focus on my entire skincare routine, but instead selected a few products that do wonders for clarity and dazzlingly bright skin. Initially I was only going to feature Vitamin C based products that do wonders for skin clarity, brightening, and evening skin tone, but I am currently testing out the Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Reparing Oil, and it works so beautifully that I decided to include it as well. I should also preface this by stating that I never step foot outside of my house without wearing a sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, and certainly part of maintaining glowing healthy skin is by keeping it protected.

Painted Earth Optimum 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid* ($95.00 review forthcoming; available from Painted Earth): "A multitasking brightening day serum to target the face, eyes and lips to deliver an instant boost of radiance and a glowing complexion. Suspended in a concentrated base of pure vegan hyaluronic acid to plump skin cells and protect and restore. A revolutionary topical antioxidant with a concentrated delivery system for the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E that provides unprecedented 50 times the free radical neutralizing power of prior generations and up to eight-fold antioxidant protection, ninety-six percent reduction of sunburn cells, and prevention of the formation of free radicals in sun exposed skin." While I am still testing out this product, I must confess that I am astonished by its efficacy! The high concentration of Vitamin C coupled with the Ferulic Acid works wonders on the skin. It hydrates and nourishes while protecting against free-radicals. It also fades sun-spots, evens skin tone, and generally gives skin a pronounced clarity. Of the Vitamin C based products that I have tried, this one definitely appears to be the most potent and effective.

Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil with Microalgae Oil ($79.00 reviewed here; available from Sephora, Nordstrom & SpaceNK UK): "An advanced oil that delivers the performance of a powerful antiaging serum with the unique experience of an oil. Fast absorbing and non-greasy, it instantly replenishes the skin with essential moisture while working to repair the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with microalgae oil combined with ceramides and a brown algae extract, it visibly restores elasticity and leaves skin looking firmer, more supple, and absolutely radiant." I realize that the last thing that I needed to buy was yet another luxury face oil, but after playing with this one numerous times when I went to Sephora, I decided that it was time to just buy a bottle. I'm really quite glad that I did! This is a remarkably light oil that is fast absorbing and very pleasant to use. It plumps fine lines, leaves skin hydrated, replenished, soft, supple, and unbelievably radiant. I definitely need to use it longer to be able to write an in-depth review, but so far I am thrilled by the results and am so happy that I purchased it.

FutureDerm Vitamin CE Eye Cream* ($59.00 reviewed here): One of the very first things that I noted after I used FutureDerm Vitamin C Eye Cream for a few days was an unmistakable brightening and tightening of my under eye area. My skin quickly became brighter and more luminous with a pronounced clarity. My delicate eye area is left very soft, smooth, and taut each time that I use it-- and this combination of textural differences is very obvious both at a distance and close-up. The cream is light and smooth, and sinks in and gets right to work immediately. The silicones lend the cream a lovely velvety texture and the perfect amount of slip while the Vitamin E, Avocado and Grape Seed Oils deeply moisturize the delicate eye are. This antioxidant rich formula assures the user that the anti-aging benefits are real and tangible, and with prolonged use one will definitely see a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, the brightening effects of Vitamin CE Eye Cream has radically lightened my dark circles.

Left to Right: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, Tom Ford Traceless Liquid Foundation, Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment & Hourglass Veil Fluid Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15.

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation in No. 013 ($62.00 review forthcoming; available from Barneys New York, Beauty.com, Sephora and Dermstore): "A high-definition mineral makeup cream foundation that applies like a liquid. Maifanshi Moisture Foundation provides the superior buildable coverage of a cream with the natural-looking, sheer finish of a liquid foundation." I love the natural finish and buildable coverage that Maifanshi Moisture Foundation offers. Skin looks like skin, yet perfected.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 in Alaska ($42.00 reviewed here): NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30+ is a lovely light weight oil-free formula that is very hydrating for my combination skin. The finish is smooth and natural, and it imparts just enough coverage to maintain a healthy natural glow. While it does contain and SPF 30, I do still use a separate sunscreen.

Tom Ford Traceless Liquid Foundation in Pale Dune ($78.00 review forthcoming; available from Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom): According to Tom Ford this is a "unique, three-in-one foundation" that "delivers a balanced complexion that glows with vitality and radiance." The formula is very lightweight and luminous, almost akin to a tinted moisturizer, and it includes the "skin-nourishing Tom Ford Infusing Complex to help protect skin and promote its vibrancy from within." I love that my skin looks and feels luminous and natural-- it is definitely one of my very favorite foundations.

Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment in Shade 1 ($125.00 review forthcoming; available from Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Dermstore): According to LMdB, "This luxurious, tinted treatment is truly transforming—it provides sheer, natural-looking coverage for instant smoothing and perfecting as it works below the surface to enhance and improve the skin long term. The weightless fluid has a gossamer-like texture that applies like second skin and features a potent blend of restorative ingredients to help smooth, tighten and soften the skin's overall appearance. SPF 18 protects the skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays." Most often I wear Peau Vierge as a tinted moisturizer, and in that capacity it leaves my skin luminous, even-toned, and gorgeous! Furthermore,  Peau Vierge (which translates to "Virgin Skin") "contains the breakthrough, proprietary delivery system Syntoc Actif. This exclusive and patented technology aids in the improved delivery of key ingredients." Among the key ingredients is retinol, a power-broker in anti-aging skincare products chosen for its ability to "smooth lines, refine texture and even tone." It also contains an SPF 20 to protect the skin as well as "light-diffusing pigments help to instantly blur and diffuse imperfections for a smooth, radiant, natural-looking finish." I don't consider an SPF 20 to be enough protection-- therefore I apply a separate sunscreen when I wear Peau Vierge.

Hourglass Veil Fluid Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15* ($60.00 reviewed here): This is a lovely and luxurious medium coverage foundation filled with skincare quality anti-aging ingredients. The finish is natural, and the benefits are many. It is formulated with the peptide Matrixyl® Synthe’6™which helps "support the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." I find that my complexion looks gorgeous, even and natural when I use this lovely foundation, and it has remained one of my very favorites as a result.

Left to Right: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Peony,  Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Misty, Edward Bess Blush Extraordinaire in Filled with Desire,  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow,  Surratt Artistique Blush in Guimauve and Tom Ford Cheek Color in Frantic Pink.

Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Peony ($42.00 reviewed here): Burberry blushes are a revelation. They are soft, smooth, beautifully pigmented, and offer a natural lit-from-within glow. Peony is a gorgeous mid-tone blue-based pink that is utterly drool-worthy. The only downside is that it is quite fragrant, and despite the fact that it smells of roses it may prove to be too floral a bouquet for those who prefer fragrance free products on their faces.

Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Misty ($42.00 reviewed here): Misty is Peony's paler and more muted sister. Also a blue-based pink, Misty is easy to wear and oh-so pretty. Despite the fact that it is a pale shade, the pigmentation is stupendous as is the über silky texture. This is an extraordinarily beautiful blush, no doubt about it!

Edward Bess Blush Extraordinaire in Filled with Desire ($43.00 reviewed here): Filled with Desire is a definite stunner. This blue-based pink beauty is finely milled, is gorgeously pigmented, and is sure to delight even the most hard-to-please pink blush fiend. According to Edward Bess, this blush is "a lightweight, velvety smooth powder that imparts a luminous natural-looking blushed effect." Filled with Desire is a gorgeous pale pink with a lovely subtle sheen. The shimmer itself is pink-- lending itself to a tone on tone effect that is very refined, and the result is an elegant sheen that translates to an ethereal glow on the skin. It applies with great ease and does not emphasize or settle into pores or fine lines.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow* ($35.00 reviewed here): Ethereal Glow is a gorgeous  pale cool blue-based pink blush "fused with Ethereal Light for a moonlit luminosity." Ethereal Glow is an exceptionally finely milled high quality blush with an über silky smooth texture. It has beautiful pigmentation, and while it is light it is not inherently sheer. On me, once applied it faithfully remains in place all day. This is definitely one of my most reached for blushes.

Surratt Artistique Blush in Guimauve ($32.00 reviewed here): Speaking of most reached for blushes...Surratt Artistique Blush in Guimauve is the thing that pink blush dreams are made of. Surratt describes Guimauve as a "marshmallow pink," but it definitely resides on the demure end of the Surratt color spectrum. Guimauve is a stunning light blue-based pink that can be easily be worn on a daily basis. It is soft, smooth, creamy and glides across the skin effortlessly and evenly, and blends out seamlessly. While it is a powder it feels more like a cream to the touch as a result of the Japanese slurry technology employed in its making. It is this very textural difference that makes the formula unique and indescribably luxurious to the touch. The finish is best described as one that imparts a natural and luminous glow from within. That it approximates the appearance of naturally flushed cheeks is among its many strengths. This is a truly stunning blush.

Tom Ford Cheek Color in Frantic Pink ($56.00 reviewed and discussed here, here & here): This lovely peachy pink blush is finely milled, imparts a gorgeous natural glow, and is stunningly gorgeous and infinitely wearable. While Frantic Pink contains multi-colored pearl, on the skin it is luminous and natural looking. It is also an amazing transformer blush because of its inherent ability to warm up and tone down assertively pigmented blushes that are harder to wear. That said, my favored method of application is Frantic Pink all alone!

Left to Right: Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Inspiration, Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word, Le Métier de Beauté Crème Fresh Tint for Lip & Cheek in Poppy and Le Métier de Beauté Crème Fresh Tint for Lip & Cheek in Mystique.

Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Inspiration ($38.00 reviewed and discussed here and here): Inspiration is a lovely cool toned light pink cream blush. The texture is creamy, but more stiff than I had expected, but that accounts for its great wear-time. The pigmentation is very rich and a little goes a long way. 

Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word* ($20.00 reviewed here): Mim's the Word is a gorgeous blue-based ballerina pink blush that is about as pretty as a pink blush can get. The formula is smooth and richly pigmented, and it effortlessly glides across the skin with precision. It's not only a gorgeous blush, but can be used on the lips as well. It remains my very favorite liquid blush, and has secured pride of place as one of my all-time favorite blushes.

Le Métier de Beauté Crème Fresh Tint for Lip & Cheek in Poppy ($28.00 reviewed here): If you love versatile lip and cheek products, then LMdB is well worth your consideration. The Crème Fresh Tint for Lip & Cheek is a hydrating formula that is available in gorgeous shades, and all of them are natural looking on the lips and cheeks. Poppy is a lovely medium neutral-leaning bright pink with a refined pearl luminescence at its base, and I love love love it!

Le Métier de Beauté Crème Fresh Tint for Lip & Cheek in Mystique ($28.00 reviewed here): Sharing all of the formula attributes of Poppy, Mystique is instead a decidedly blue-based pink with a lavender lilac base, and the unexpected juxtaposition of glimmering golden pearl luminescence. It's a definite stunner that is sure to thrill those among you who love blue-based pinks with a flair.

Left to Right: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy and Guerlain Emilio Pucci Terra Azzura Bronzing Powder.

Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy ($42.00 review forthcoming; available from Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue): While Earthy is technically a blush, I find that it is a perfect cool-leaning to neutral contour or bronzer instead. It has the same creamy dreamy smooth texture for which Burberry Blushes are known, and for which Burberry fans remain loyal.

Guerlain Emilio Pucci Terra Azzura Bronzing Powder* ($76.50 reviewed here): While this beauty is a bronzer, highlighter and blush in one stunning palette, I opted to only use the bronzer portion for this post. The bronzer portion of this compact is a gorgeous warm-leaning copper bronze shade that doesn't oxidize into an unnatural shade of orange on my cool-toned skin. It offers a beautiful warm glow that looks like sun-kissed skin with a luminous glow. It's a truly glorious bronzer. (While it is a long-gone LE bronzer it is still available from Izzy's Perfume & Beauty Shoppe.)

Left to Right: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (Dim Light, Incandescent Light and Radiant Light), Burberry Fresh Glow, Guerlain Météorite Cruel Gardenia and Painted Earth Mineral Silk Radiance Powder in Seychelles.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette* ($58.00 reviewed here): I haven't been able to stop using this gorgeous palette since receiving it because I am so very in love with it! Dim Light is a stunning "neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones." Incandescent Light (exclusive to the Radiant Lighting Palette, and worth the price of admission!) is a miraculous "opalescent pearl powder that brightens the complexion with a celestial glow." Radiant Light is a beautiful "sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth, and also extends a summer glow." This palette can be used to highlight, to contour and to bronze-- and it does each one beautifully and effortlessly.

Burberry Fresh Glow ($48.00 reviewed here): This lightweight luminous base imparts a gorgeous subtle glow that looks natural and feels wonderfully hydrating on the skin. My favorite way to use it is to add a pump or two to my foundation or tinted moisturizer, and the result is added hydration and pronounced luminosity.

Guerlain Météorite Cruel Gardenia* ($112.10 reviewed here): This highly coveted beauty has got to be one of my most treasured beauty products of all time. Not only is the sculptural gardenia a work of art, but the ultra luxe pale pink highlighter is what dreams are made of. It effortlessly glides across the skin, imparts an ethereal glow, and makes me so happy every time that I gaze at it. (While it is a long-gone LE highlighter it is still available from Izzy's Perfume & Beauty Shoppe.)

Painted Earth Mineral Silk Radiance Powder in Seychelles* ($34.50 reviewed here): Seychelles is such a gorgeous compact that features a lovely floral motif, but it is also equally magnificent on the skin. The multi-mineral formula is not only healthy for the skin, but it also imparts a glorious glow to the skin that rivals the best luxury highlighters on the market. When swirled together all of the shades become a delectable light neutral peachy pink. Everything about this radiance powder is subtle, elegant and utterly stunning. 

Left to Right: By Terry Darling Baume, Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Charm, Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Love, Painted Earth Luxury Gloss in Skinny Dip and Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naked.

By Terry Baume de Rose ($53.00 in gloss tube and $60.00 in jar. Jar version reviewed here): This version in the lip gloss tube is the Darling Baume from the 10 Year Anniversary Set. It is filled with the most magnificent multi-colored pearl shimmer that is suspended in a sheer pale pink balm. It imparts the perfect twinkle whether worn on the lips alone or over your favorite lipstick. It is smooth, moisturizing and utterly luxurious. If you love Baume de Rose, then this is a sure winner!

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Charm ($33.00 reviewed here): If you love sheer lip glosses that twinkle and moisturize, but abhor sticky formulas that are uncomfortable to wear-- then you really must try the Chantecaille Brilliant Glosses. This formula is extremely comfortable on the lips, is moisturizing, and has a slightly plumping effect (without any discomfort). Charm is a very sheer peachy nude, and while the color itself isn't particularly unique-- the formula is. 

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Love ($33.00 reviewed here): Love shares all of the same attributes as Charm, but instead of a warm peachy nude, Love is a fetching sheer pale cool-toned pink with gorgeous multidimensional shimmer. I think that it is aptly named-- because that is precisely what it evokes!

Painted Earth Luxury Gloss in Skinny Dip* ($22.50 reviewed here): According to Painted Earth, Luxury Gloss combines sheer color with high shine, while treating lips with age-defying benefits. Innovative polymer technology provides lasting comfort, protection and hydration. A soothing blend of oils, including Castor Seed, Soybean and Moroccan Argan, condition and hydrate, smoothing the appearance of vertical lines and wrinkles so lips look softer and younger." This antioxidant rich formula not only protection with Vitamins E and C, but it also soothes and heals chapped lips. If that weren't enough, it is a stunning and twinkling peach shade loaded with twinkling luminescent pearl. I want every single shade, not just because the colors are beautiful, but also because the formula is magnificent!

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naked ($45.00 reviewed and discussed here and here): Naked is a gorgeous nude beige peachy pink with refined golden shimmer. It is quite thick and long-lasting, but not terribly sticky. It boasts nearly opaque coverage, but can easily be sheered out. It's lovely alone or on top of lipstick, and while I wasn't sure how much I would like the formula when I first purchased it-- it turned out that I ended up loving it!

Left to Right: By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge in Nudissimo, Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Rose Caprice, Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in In the Buff, Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Bare, Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in Summer Fling, Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Gabrielle, Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Edition, Surratt Lipslique in Fee Soie and Surratt Lipslique in Chuchoter.

By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge in Nudissimo ($35.00 discussed here): Nudissimo is a lovely peachy pink nude that is remarkably flattering on the lips. Moreover, the formula is wonderfully hydrating and plumping with the perfect amount of sheen. 

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Rose Caprice ($32.00 reviewed here): While described as a pale pink, I would classify Rose Caprice as more of a sheer-leaning pinky nude. The formula is comfortable on the lips and quite hydrating. It feels a bit more like a lip balm than a lipstick, and isn't the longest lasting formula-- but it so lovely that I don't mind reapplication. It imparts a lovely sheen that twinkles in the light, and I find myself reaching for it frequently.

Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in In the Buff ($49.00 reviewed here): First I just have to say that I love this formula so much and really believe that it should be made part of the permanent range of products. The formula resides somewhere between the TF Lip Color Lipsticks and the TF Lip Color Shines and is remarkably comfortable on the lips. It is moisturizing with the perfect amount of pigment and sheen, and is one of my go-to lipsticks. In the Buff is a gorgeous peachy beige that is easy to wear and it is incredibly flattering. In the Buff might just be my favorite shade from the Color Sheers.

Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Bare ($48.00 reviewed and discussed here): I had hoped not to fall in love with the TF Lip Color Shines because they are quite expensive for hybrid lip products that straddle the line between a balm and a lipstick, but no such chance. This is by far my favorite formula in the balm/lipstick hybrid category because it is thicker, longer lasting, and more lusciously luminous than any of the others that I have tried. Bare is a nude peachy beige with gorgeous peachy golden shimmer that twinkles in the light. So far this is the only one that I have splurged on, but I have been circling the counter like a vulture swatching Smitten (a gorgeous sheer pink with gold shimmer)-- so it's only a matter of time before I buy that one as well!

Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in Summer Fling ($49.00 reviewed here): Summer Fling is definitely more pigmented than In the Buff, and it is likewise a moisturizing and comfortable to wear shade. Summer Fling is best described as a light warm pink with golden shimmer, and trust me when I say that it is truly gorgeous.

Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Gabrielle ($49.50 reviewed here): There is a good reason why the Guerlain Rouge G formula is so coveted-- because it really is an amazingly high quality lipstick. The formula is superbly refined, unbelievably luxurious, and very pleasurable to use. It leaves lips hydrated, slightly plumped, and it is very comfortable to wear. Gabrielle is gorgeous pale pearly pink that makes my heart go pitter patter each time that I pull it out of the sculptural museum quality bullet!

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Edition ($30.00 reviewed and discussed here and here):  Hourglass really knows how to make amazing lipsticks, and the Femme Rouge Velvet Crème formula is truly remarkable. It boasts a feather light consistency that is hydrating, antioxidant packed, comfortable and the lips, and beautifully pigmented. Edition is a soft neutral pink with the most gorgeous pink shimmer. It's an easy to wear swipe and go type of color that is staggeringly beautiful, and it's not filled with piles of multisyllabic chemicals! 

Surratt Lipslique in Fee Soie ($34.00 reviewed here): Surratt Lipsliques boast a unique formula that has a fantastic hydrating effect, the perfect amount of cushion, and they feel fantastic on the lips. One might expect that the more moisturizing formula would lend itself to reduced wear-time, but these buildable coverage beauties are longer-wearing than one might expect (particularly true of the darker shades that have all of the coverage of a stain without the tendency to dry out the lips). Fee Soie, which is described as a "glistening sugar pink," is a stunning pale pink with gorgeous shimmering and glimmering pearl that might be described as a modern fashion forward frost. It has buildable coverage, and is one of those "it shades" that will make pink-lovers squeal with joy because it is truly pink perfection.

Surratt Lipslique in Chuchoter ($34.00 reviewed here): Chucoter is the ultimate pinky nude. This is the color that Troy picked for me, and  as soon as he put it on my lips he exclaimed that it was just perfect for me-- so I naturally bought it! Unlike Fee Soie, Chuchoter does not possess shimmering and glimmering pearl. Instead, this is the nude pink shade that I have sought for years. It resides somewhere in the lipstick lip balm hybrid realm, and while the coverage is buildable it always allows your lips to shine through. It is that perfect my lips but better shade that you can put on without a mirror, and look perfect every time.

Left to Right: Hourglass Femme Nude Stylo No. 6 in Mauve Beige, Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Beige No. 103,  By Terry Rouge Terribly Age-Defense Lipstick #100 Terribly Nude,  Le Métier de Beauté Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Palm Springs,  Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Pink No. 501 and Tom Ford Lip Color in Nude Vanilla.

Hourglass Femme Nude Stylo No. 6 in Mauve Beige ($30.00 reviewed here): According to Hourglass, their Femme Nude Lip Stylo is, "A seductive collection of nude lip crayons delivering a full-coverage formula and satin finish. Enclosed in a luxurious retractable stylo, Femme Nude enhances the natural sensuality of your lips by adding fullness, dimension and balance. With six shades to choose from there’s a nude for every mood." Nude Stylo No.06 in Mauve Beige is the perfect mauvey nude shade that is the perfect "My lips, but better" shade for my light mauve colored lips. 

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Beige No. 103 ($34.00 reviewed and discussed here and here): This beautifully hydrating formula is long-wearing, comfortable on the lips, and has the perfect amount of cushion. Beige No. 103 is one of the most perfect pinky beige nudes that I have encountered, and it remains one of my favorite lipsticks.

By Terry Rouge Terribly Age-Defense Lipstick #100 Terribly Nude ($49.50 reviewed here): This is literally the cool-toned pinky nude opaque lipstick that I have sought for years. It really doesn't get better than this. I had a coveted lipstick nearly identical in hue when I was in high school, and I have  been searching for a dupe ever since! My search finally ended when I found this baby! The formula is hydrating, comfortable on the lips, volumizing, and filled with anti-aging ingredients. Simply gorgeous.

Le Métier de Beauté Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Palm Springs ($32.00 reviewed here): This is one of those magical pinks because while it is a cool light blue-based pinks with the faintest tinge of a mauve purple hue-- its coolness is offset by a magical golden shimmer that gives it a stunning complexity. The coverage is opaque, but can easily be sheered out, and just as the name suggests it is indeed moisturizing.

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Pink No. 501 ($34.00 reviewed here): Like Rouge D'Armani Beige No. 103, Rouge D'Armani Pink No. 501 is an extraordinary find. It boasts the same amazing formula, but is instead the perfect mid-tone pinky mauve lipstick. This is just too pretty not to have if you favor pinky mauve shades!

Tom Ford Lip Color in Nude Vanilla ($49.00 reviewed and discussed here, here and here): This is unquestionably one of my all-time favorite lipsticks, period. I initially had no interest in this shade because it appeared too pale, too warm and too peachy for my cool-toned skin. However, it was my friend and Tom Ford Makeup Artist extraordinaire, Michelle Weinstein, who assured me that once it warmed up on my lips that it would morph into the most amazing color on me. Guess what? She was absolutely right, and believe it or not it is my very favorite Tom Ford Lip Color! 

Top to Bottom: Cattiva Waterproof Automatic Eye Pencil, Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner in Bold Brown and Giorgio Armani Waterproof Smooth Silk Eye Pencil.

Painted Earth LashLuxe Mascara* ($19.50 swatch not show; available from Painted Earth): According to Painted Earth, "LashLuxe mascara has a new rubber brush for the longest lashes possible. Our mascara gives you thick, long, and sky high lashes to highlight intensity of the eyes. The rubber brush applicator sculpts with precision and separation, coating lashes in weightless volume and sheen that accentuates and defines the lashes with a remarkably hydrating, color-rich formula." I couldn't have explained it better myself. I'm generally not one prone to waxing poetic about mascaras, but I really do love this one!

Cattiva Waterproof Automatic Eye Pencil* ($20.00 featured here): This is a very creamy formula that easy is to apply, but once it sets it stays put.  It is a paraben-free and "fortified with hyaluronic acid and vitamins to fight the effects of aging and last all day." The retractable dispenser is very easy to use, and  there's no wasted product because of sharpening!

Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner in Bold Brown* ($5.95 reviewed here): I am continually amazed by the quality and affordability of the entire Prestige Cosmetics line. Among my favorite products are their extraordinary eyeliners, and their Total Intensity range is nothing short of phenomenal. The Total Intensity range features "Smoky black shades with an iridescent twist" that are soft and easy to work with, but once they set they do not budge. Bold Brown is an infinitely wearable rich deep dark brown that is nearly matte in finish, but that is oh so gorgeous on the eyes! 

Giorgio Armani Waterproof Smooth Silk Eye Pencil No. 01 (Black) ($28.00 featured here): This is definitely one of the richest and deepest black eye pencils in my collection. While it is a waterproof formula I find it quite gentle on my sensitive eyes, and it tends to stay put once it sets. On very hot days, however, I have noted a small amount of transfer, but it generally isn't an issue. 

What are your favorite products for summer-ready minimalist makeup & a glowing complexion? Do tell!

*Denotes Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own whether the products were purchased by me, or received as Press Samples. (Affiliate Links)
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