ProductWhores

Best Budget Cleansing Facial Wipes

I was at Naimie's in Studio City the other day (if anyone reading this lives in the LA area, Naimie's is a must-frequent) and I cam across facial cleansing wipes for only $2.80.  I, of course, bought them because I figured even if they sucked, I've thrown away three bucks in a lot worse ways.  Well, as it turns out, I did not waste a penny because these are the best, budget, cleansing wipes I've ever used!  Purederm Make-Up Cleansing Tissues are lavender-scented which is uber-soothing and they're really gentle and hydrating so my dry, sensitive skin has been very happy.  Here's the thing, they are a Korean product so they are not really easy to find.  I suggest checking out your local beauty supply store to see if they might be stocking them in the cleansing aisle.  It really needs to be a store where make-up artists would shop (not a place like Sephora, for example).  They are definitely worth the hunt and, if you do find them, I suggest stocking up.

Comfort Your Skin

Between the 100+ degree weather, my eye infection, not sleeping much and working a ton, my skin has taken quite the beating lately.  And since I already have sensitive skin, I was not looking so hot.  (And that's being nice about it).  So I turned to my new favorite brand for sensitive skin - AHAVA.  I really wish I hadn't waited so long to try this brand because every product I try from them is fabulous and I could've been using them all along.  Don't you hate it when that happens?

Their new Time to Treat Comforting Cream is my new favorite facial moisturizer because it does everything a moisturizer is supposed to do with bonus calming elements.  It has Dead Sea Mud, Narcissus Bulb Extract, Tomato Extract & Lavender Water in it - all ingredients that calm the skin while also reducing redness, which my skin is prone to (especially when venturing outside feels like walking into HELL, which is how hot Los Angeles weather has been lately).  It also barely has a scent at all - it just has a slight hint of something resembling... water, maybe?  I can't quite place the scent, but whatever is is, it's very light and fresh and not at all something that's annoying to have so close to your nose.  I'm really liking how it feels on my skin too - it's been keeping it smooth and it doesn't feel tight at all - a big achievement in this weather.  Also, for the next three days, you can get 30% off your order at Ahavaus.com by using the code FALLFAN30 at checkout, so there's even more reason to check it out.  (You'll be able to snag it for only $31.50).  Stock up!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with AHAVA  

Gobsmacked!

Okay, I'm finally back from my unplanned blogging hiatus, which believe it or not happened when I had a crazy allergic reaction to a lash tint and ended up with bright red, bloodshot eyes that swelled shut and were incredibly painful.  I looked like an extra from "The Walking Dead" and felt like one too.  It was not pleasant.  Eyes are kinda important, you know?  I don't want to say where I got them done because it's a really nice place and I've had them done there about five times before with no problem, so I think this was just kind of a freak thing, but just be careful if you're getting your lashes tinted because before this, I had no idea it could ever go as wrong as it did.  But my eyes are finally back to normal again, thanks to my doctor, and I will now learn to live with my tint-less lashes because there is no way that is ever happening again.  Think of all the time and money I'll save!

Anyway, back to more of the fun stuff!  Have you guys seen Butter LONDON's new Autumn/Winter shades yet?  Because they are gorgeous.  All of them.  But if I had to pick just one to buy, it would definitely be Gobsmacked.  I love it so, so much.  It's a dark charcoal grey glitter that has a slightly textured finish.  I mean, it's perfection in a bottle.  I'm so into the dark shades lately for both fingers and toes and I also can't get enough of glitter polishes, so this just combines both obsessions into one fabulous bottle.  I feel like I need to pick up a backup of it because I know I'm going to want it when this one runs out.  Look at me, planning for the future.  I feel so grown up!   

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Butter LONDON

Lash Booster!

My best friend used to live in NYC and every single time I went to visit her I would have to visit the FACE Stockholm store right there and buy a million things.  I love this line and while I still get excited ordering online or visiting one of the boutiques who carry the products, nothing will replace visiting the actual shop in NY!  Well, since my best friend no longer lives there and I can't justify the jetting to the east coast just for a trip to FACE Stockholm, I'll enjoy getting the goods online.  One of their latest releases (by the way, check out their very fresh-faced look for Fall on their homepage - it's stunning!!!) is a new fantastic mascara called Lash Booster.  Lash Booster is a natural mascara and lash extension which have your lashes looking fuller and longer.  The mascara contains vegetable waxes and polymers which help to nourish and stimulate lash growth and I have to say, after a month of use, I do actually notice a difference - not in the length but in the fullness of my lashes.  The mascara is not heavy or clumpy but really gives lashes a natural, full look which I love.  I have been pairing it with a smokey-grey-lined eye and a bold lip color and I adore my new fall look. 

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with FACE Stockholm

Vice!

Oooooh, Urban Decay is launching this limited edition palette of goodness on 9/15 online at urbandecay.com and 9/27 in stores.  Contains 20 NEW eyeshadows and comes in a sleek case with jewelled UD on the cover for $59.00 retail.  I want!

Big Pink Bow

Okay, I used to be a crazy Sanrio fan when I was a kid and every time I see anything with the beloved cat on it,  I still get a bit giddy (can't really explain it).  Side note:  I used to spend my entire allowance on those little pencil cases and do-dads at the Sanrio store.  Anyway, this perfume is beyond adorable and, again, not my usually go-to for perfumes (pretty girly/tropical) but I adore it.  Smells great, bottle is adorable and I get to re-live my childhood with an adult fragrance.  Awesome! 

Sign On The Dot-ted Line

You guys, DOT might have the cutest perfume bottle ever.  Ever!  I seriously love it.  It reminds me of ladybugs - I HATE bugs, but ladybugs are the only ones that I ever actually pick up and carefully take outside because, come on, ladybugs are adorable.  The perfume inside is equally fabulous, as befits a Marc Jacobs creation.  It's fruity and fun, the kind of scent I'd feel comfortable spritzing on both day and night, so it'd be a great choice to take on a trip when you don't want to pack a lot.  (Although admittedly, it isn't the easiest bottle in the world to pack..)  It has notes of Red Berries, Dragonfruit, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Coconut Water, Orange Blossom, Vanilla, Driftwood, Musk, which is such an intriguing list.  When I saw that list before even smelling it, I knew that it would be my kind of scent, so I'm glad I was right.  I love that it mixes fruity notes with floral ones, and I'm always a sucker for a scent with musk in it (which is weird, because it doesn't sound like something I would like, but somehow, I always do).  Also, the bottle makes me smile every time I look at it on top of my dresser in the morning, which if you could see how angry I get when my alarm goes off after only four hours of sleep because I am somehow incapable of making myself go to bed early even though I'm an adult and should know better and don't need to watch "House Hunters" at 3am, you would know is quite an achievement.  (As was that run on sentence!)  Now if only I could somehow afford that Marc Jacobs tote I've been visiting at Bloomingdales every weekend...       

Note:  A sample of this product was sent by a PR representative working with Marc Jacobs

Bobbie and Katie

Bobbi Brown announced this week that Katie Holmes would be their first-ever ceIebrity face.  I have to admit, I kinda love this pairing.  As a former (ahem) "Dawson's Creek" fan, it makes me happier than I should admit that Katie Holmes seems back to normal again.  Pacey and Joey 4ever!  (Also, how pretty is her hair in that shot?  Love it).  Here's the official release from Bobbi Brown:

“Katie Holmes epitomizes the modern ‘Bobbi woman’…  I think of her as the modern day Ali McGraw, who I have always admired,” says Bobbi Brown, “Katie is a classic natural beauty, entrepreneur, and mother.  When I met her, I thought she was a natural fit for my brand, and felt an instant connection with her.”

“Bobbi is exceptional and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is a company that we, as women, all turn to because it is makeup that is very accessible and makes you feel pretty,” says Holmes, “Sometimes it is just a lipstick or a blush that makes you feel like you can do what you need to do.  Makeup is powerful and I am thrilled to be a part of this brand.”

The first iteration of the partnership will appear in spring 2013 print ads, light boxes, on-counter and with supporting editorial features.  Additionally, Bobbi will be the lead makeup artist at the Spring/Summer 2013 Holmes & Yang Fashion Show, the eponymous line founded by Katie Holmes and celebrity stylist Jeanne Yang. 

“This is a very exciting time for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and we are thrilled to be embarking on this new partnership with Katie, whose influence spans the globe,” says Maureen Case, President of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, “We are confident that this partnership will raise the brand’s profile with strong, smart, powerful women, while also introducing the brand and its compelling ethos to new consumers.”

I can't wait to see the pictures from the first print ads.  They're going to be gorgeous, right?

Papyrus Protection from Klorane

My hair has been uber-dry this summer - I think because we've been having some crazy hot days, the air in LA is awful and the fact I've been in the pool subjecting my hair to chlorine.  For whatever the real reason behind my suffering hair, I decided to give Klorane's Papyrus Milk collection a go as papyrus milk is supposed to help smooth hair.  I have been really impressed by the collection and have seen a noticible difference in my hair, a welcome surprise.  First of all both the shampoo and conditioner smell yummy.  They actually smell like freshly-cut grass mixed with cucumber which as I type it, sounds insane, but I assure you it smells fresh and delightful.  While the shampoo is amazing, I found the conditioner to be a bit lacking in the conditioning department. I have really thick hair so the conditioner, while it smells great and does detangle a bit, I think it would be better suited for thinner hair (unless you tend to use a leave-in conditioner, as well, which I do)  The leave-in fluid (No-Rinse Care with Papyrus Milk) also smells delicious and is a fantastic smoother (it doesn't condition, but it definitely tames the wild frizzies).  The Leave-in is also hands-down my fave product of the bunch - my hair is so thankful for its existance!  Definitely a collection worth checking out if your hair is on the dry side!

Note:  Samples of the above products were sent by a PR representative working with Klorane.