ProductWhores

Bare It All

I'm not normally one for powder foundations, but I have to to say, out of all the ones I've tried, the only ones I actually use after testing them are bareMinerals.  They're just good.  And that trend continues with their new BAREPRO Performance Wear Powder Foundation.  The formula is made with 90% vitamins and minerals and is made to last 12 hours, so it's designed to help your skin stay healthy while looking great long into the night.  On me, I found the wear time to be more like 9 hours or so, but I still think that's a good amount for a powder foundation.  (I made it through an entire day of running errands before I started to notice it wearing off).  The formula itself has a matte finish and is dermatologist tested, noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic, and hypoallergenic (basically, these are fancy words to say that it's good for your skin). What I was really impressed by was the way that it controlled shine (it's still hot here in Los Angeles - soooo annoying - I'm ready for fall!) while covering some redness and making my complexion look a lot more perfect than it is.  (I applied it with the new BAREPRO Core Coverage Brush, but you can use brushes you already have if you're on a budget).  I was also impressed by the way it didn't dry out my skin or settle into any fine lines, making me look older (the main reason I don't normally use powder foundations).  Another positive is that it's available in a huge range of shades, so you're almost guaranteed to find your perfect match.  I love that companies are doing this more and more lately.  It's so important.  Will this foundation make me switch to a powder every day? Probably not.  I'm just too much of a creature of habit.  But it'll definitely be one of the ones I reach for whenever I want to go with the powder option, so I think that says it all.  (Plus, it's much easier to carry this around to reapply for a night out than a liquid foundation.  That alone scores it a coveted space in my bag when I'm going from work to a night out).  Consider me a PRO!

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

 

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

#NUDEITUP

So, BareMinerals launched this GORGEOUSLY stunning collection back in late June and if you haven't made your way check it out, you have to run immediately.  One of my fave collections they've released to date, Gen Nude features 60 shades of nude in 4 different finishes... honestly something for everyone.  I was impressed by the array of nude shades (who knew there could really be so many pretty ones!!) and all the formulas are amazing - matte liquid lip colors, buttercream lipglosses, radiant lipsticks and lip liners.  Colors range from light pinks to peaches to soft berries.  I was surprised just how difficult it was for me to choose a favorite formula or shade because there are so many that have become part of my daily rotation.  Especially loving the glosses as they are SO buttery, yet have killer staying power.  

Note:  Samples of this collection were sent to me by a PR representative working with BareMinerals

Rescue Your Complexion

I have to say, bareMinerals is really knocking it out of the park lately.  Pretty much everything I've tried from them in recent memory has immediately entered into my makeup rotation permanently, which is pretty damn impressive considering the ridiculous amount of products I have.  And now I'm also sneaking in their new Complexion Rescue, because it's just that good.  Complexion Rescue is described as a "tinted hydrating gel cream" and to me, it's sort of a cross between a tinted moisturizer and a light coverage foundation.  What I love about it is that even though it goes on lightly, you can add more for more coverage and even with only one layer, I still feel like it covers evenly and enough to make it comparable to a sheerer foundation.  It also has a broad spectrum SPF 30, so it gives me sun protection on top of the sunscreen I wear every day, which I love because it takes me all of five minutes in the Los Angeles sun to start turning red.  The formula has all sorts of benefits to it too - it's mineral-based and combines all the best qualities of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer to give your skin extra hydration.  I apply it with my fingers because I feel like it gives me the best coverage and it's the easiest to blend that way, but you can definitely apply with a brush if you'd like.  It's perfect for the warmer weather that we're having in L.A. right now - it was 86 degrees today.  (Sorry, east coasters!)  If you're a fan of tinted moisturizers or light coverage foundations, this one's definitely worth checking out! 

Note:  A sample of the above item was sent to me by a PR representative working with bareMinerals

Holiday Buxom and BareMinerals Must-Gives!

Time to hit the mall and head over to Sephora and cash in on those last-minute shopping options as Christmas is only 2 days away!  I've checked out the latest holiday releases from Buxom and bareMinerals and there are some truly amazing options to gift (and definitely to receive).  My faves are below -

Buxom Lip Gloss Roulette

Whether you want to play the high stakes in Vegas with the girls or have a hot date night out.  Heck even if you want to stay at home sporting some really pretty lip color,this is the perfect gift for you!  I LOVE this gloss set which features 15 amazing colors - each one more stunning than the last. 

Buxom Dolly's High Roller Collection

This adorable palette is a must-give and at only 29 bucks it's such a steal.  I adore everything in it and have to say I've been able to create the pretties daytime and evening looks.  Palette features:

• Hold the Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Call Me (matte black)
• Cha-Ching Eyeshadow (gilt patina)
• Strip Poker Eyeshadow (lilac haze)
• Chocolate Diamonds Eyeshadow (bronze chocolate)
• Royal Flush Eyeshadow (powder pink)
• Double-ended Full-On Lip Polish & Cream in Dolly (sultry mauve/shimmering sultry mauve)
• Dolly Blush (sultry mauve)
• Bankroll Luminizer (champagne sheen)
• Hot Escapes Bronzer in Tahiti (golden tan)

bareMinerals I Heart the Nightlife

Ooh, this pretty set of amazing eyeliners is such a great gift I had to get one for myself, as well.  Love the colors and the 29.00 pricetag.

bareMinerals Your Attention, Please

This is an amazing stocking stuffer - only 14.00 and you get a really pretty two-color eyeshadow palette (which makes a pretty smokey eye) and their uber-amazing eye pencil in Absolute Black. 

Note:  Samples of the above items were sent to me by a PR representative working with bareMinerals and Buxom

Grin And Bare It

 

 

It's been awhile since I tried a foundation that I absolutely fell in love with, so I was really excited when I got the chance to try the new Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. I'd been hearing such good things about it, but I was still cautiously optomistic because, well, one person's holy grail product is another person's throw it in the back of the drawer and forget all about it.  So I'm very happy to report that it has more than lived up to the hype for me. It has a thin consistency, which I like, especially for summer, but the coverage is definitely buildable, although I find that I only need one layer to give me good coverage (and I like a medium amount of coverage).  I tried it with the Bareskin Perfecting Face Brush, which is also kind of awesome.  It has sort a... hollowed out part in the bristles where you put a few drops of the foundation and then buff it onto your face.  I really, really like the way it applies the foundation.  The coverage is smooth and even and blends in perfectly.  Definitely a worthy purchase if you're buying the foundation (and even if you just need a foundation brush). The foundation itself is also a serum (hence the name) so if you're really lazy and hate more than one step in your skin care routine, this foundation is definitely for you! I love the fact that it feels so light on - I HATE heavy foundations and this is definitely not that.  I also like that it's hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.  My sensitive skin doesn't need any more reasons to freak out and the formula on this doesn't give them any.  But mostly, I just really like the coverage it gives me and how natural it looks.  For their first liquid foundation, they've really knocked this one out of the park. Well done, bareMinerals!   

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

True Romantic Collection

Just in time for Valentine's Day comes the new True Romantic collection by bareMinerals!  I was stunned to like this collection as much as I do (usually pink shades aren't great on my skin, but this one is SO different).  Collection features READY eyeshadow quad in The True Romantic, Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Feel the Love, Swoon blush, Marvelous Moxie lipgloss in Heartbreaker, Lasting Line eyeliner in Always Charcoal and Marvelous Moxie lipliner in Liberated.  The shadow quad is ridiculously awesome.  I have been religiously pairing it with the Charcoal liner and the rose-ish smokey eye is an absolute stunner (I've gotten more compliments than I can count). Yes, the shades are delightfully feminine (pink-y/rose,  a copper-y and warm chocolate shades perfectly compliment each other) and they blend amazingly well.  I was very surprised at how pretty the colors are on and how lovely a smokey eye this quad creates.  The other stand-out in the new collection is Feel the Love lipstick which is a super-saturated rose color which looks so beautiful on!  The formula is fantastically moisturizing and feels so great on lips (not drying at all) so no need to wear lipbalm with it.  I also was impressed with the Swoon blush - a petal pink blush which doesn't wash out my very pale skin!  Lovely!  All around great collection and one of my favorite Spring launches for 2014.  Check it out!

Note:  Products were sent by a PR representative working with BareEscentuals

BareMinerals Holiday 2013!

It's time to start thinking seriously about those holiday gifts now that Thanksgiving, and Black Friday, are only a week away!!  While I'll have my stocking stuffers post live after Thanksgiving, I want to be able to give you a headstart on exploring some of my faves from the BareMinerals holiday collection.  All sparkling, all dazzling and all super gifts for people you love.

The READY Convertible Eyeshadow Palette is brilliant both packaging and product-wise.  This stunning palette contains twelve base, crease and liner shades as well as a multi-tasking brush and tutorial.  But the best part, all the little shadows pop right out so you can mix and match in the super-amazing mini-palette which slides out of the larger one.  So, basically, you get to take whatever three shades you want with you.  Genius!!  Retails for $48.00.

Degrees of Dazzling is one of the most stunning products for the holiday season!!  The delightful tube contains 20 shadows - in both glittery and matte finishes and all the colors are knock-outs.  Love, love, this for a gift.  And I have to say I am so impressed with the formula - creamy smooth and great staying power!  Retails for $79.00.

Perfect 10 is a lovely neutral palette, perfect for everyone.  6 READY eyeshadows, 1 READY luminizer, 1 READY blush and 2 Marvelous Moxie lipcolors are come neatly packed in this very sleek zippered case.  The colors are beautifully neutral and the makeup clutch is just lovely.  Retails for $58.00.

Note:  The above samples were sent to me by a PR representative working with BareMinerals

Dominate Your Lashes

I'm in a mascara phase right now, which basically means that I'm trying every single one I can get my hands on.  It's just fun.  Drugstore, high end... it doesn't matter.  (And I don't know about you guys, but I find a lot of times that I like the drugstore products better.  It could just be my lashes, but I find a lot of great mascaras at CVS).  One of my non-drugstore favorites right now is bareMinerals Lash Domination.  It's one of those mascaras that claims to "do it all" and I have to say, that's pretty right on the money.  It's supposed to have a long-wearing formula that volumizes, lengthens, thickens and separates and it does it all with a special brush, called the ProTwist 180 Wand.  As you can see from the image, the brush is pretty damn cool.  It's sort of... twisted, which makes it really simple to get the mascara on every lash, but it also seems to prevent clumping because I find a lot of formulas clump on my lashes, but not this one.  It also gives me some seriously long, thick, dark lashes.  I mean, these are MAJOR lashes.  And it doesn't flake off at all.  I kind of love it.  And at $18, I feel like it's a good compromise - it's more expensive than a drugstore mascara, but not nearly as expensive as a lot of prestige brands.  It's pretty much the complete package.  Definitely worth checking out if you're having a mascara moment, like me.  Or, you know, if you just want a new mascara.  Either way...       

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

Marvelous Moxie

bareMinerals (fairly) new Marvelous Moxie line of glosses, lipsticks and lipliners are ridiculous... in the best way possible.  I never thought I would care to have my lips look fuller but this line makes my pout look incredible.  They feature 18 shades of Lipstick and every single one is stunning.  The formula is highly-pigmented which I was happily surprised with.  If you're a gal who prefers a more subtle color then you'll want to skip ahead to my review on the glosses because these lipsticks are definitely not subtle.  I was also very impressed that with such saturated color these lipsticks weren't more drying - they actually kept my lips hydrated and I adore the silky feeling when I'm wearing it!  I'm especially digging Live Large  which is a deep berry - perfect for summer, but I'll admit, it was really hard to choose a fave from the bunch.  While I do love the Moxie Lipsticks, the Moxie Lipglosses are the ones that deserve my eternal gratitude.  Hands-down the best gloss I've ever used (I never thought something could top Buxom for me).  The colors are beautiful, the scent is minty (delightful) and the formula is super-hydrating and not sticky at all.  The gloss is more highly-pigmented than other glosses I've tried but it has a gorgeous sheen and a wide collection of shades - some more subtle than others. If I had to choose my two favorites in the collection (you know, if someone was threatening me to pick one), I would say Dare Devil (a deep blackberry which looks surprisingly gorgeous on my pale skin) and Show Off (a delicate baby pink which is perfect for a summer beach day).  Absolutely love this line and I will never be without a gloss in my bag.  bareMinerals just never disappoints me!

Note:  Some of the above products were sent to me by a PR representative working with bareMinerals

Show Some Moxie

New lipsticks make me so happy.  Like, irrationally, skipping down the street with a smile on my face happy.  So you can imagine how big the grin was when I found out that bareMinerals has come out with a new collection of lip products called Marvelous Moxie Lips.  There are three different sets of products in the collection - Lipstick, Lipgloss and Lipliner - with a total of a whopping 42 new shades in all.  That's a lot of playing around to do!

I tried out a few of each and kudos to bareMinerals because the entire collection is awesome.  I'm not much of a lipliner girl (I think my fear stems from college where there was a girl who used to walk around with the most ridiculously drawn on lipliner - she seriously made herself look like a clown.  How did none of her friends tell her?  It used to boggle our minds.  We called her "Lipliner Girl."  Clearly, we were super inventive with nicknames) so I probably won't use these a ton, but with 10 different shades available, lipliner fans will have a field day picking their favorites.

The lipsticks come in really inventive packaging.  It has sort of a little knob (for lack of a better word) on the side that you slide down to pop the lipstick out of the top.  Neat! The formula on these is great - the lipsticks are really moisturizing and very pigmented, plus they don't seem to have any weird taste or smell to them.  I'm kind of obsessed with Risk It All (a hot pink) and Lead the Way (a dark wine).  I might have to go pick up a few more shades just to round out my collection.  (There are 18 total).

I'm also really enjoying the lipglosses.  They have a minty tingle to them that I love (a slight plumper maybe?) and a great wash of color.  My favorite is Trail Blazer - a nude gold that's absolutely perfect with a smoky eye.  Again, they're very moisturizing and seem to last a good couple of hours on me, which for a gloss I'm very satisifed with.  I need to get my hands on Game Change, a deep red.  I'm perpetually on the hunt for the perfect red gloss and at least online, this one looks like it could be a contender.

Also, I kind of love the word moxie.  I have no idea why, but it just makes me giggle.  It always makes me picture some man in the '40's asking a woman out by telling her, "You've got moxie!"  We really need to bring that word back in a big way.  Who's with me?

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