14 June 2009

beauty tips 02

prepare yourselves. these panelists are dumping out their beauty bins and discussing the contents. this is exactly what slumber parties are all about.



KELLY P.
1.) MAC Blushcreme - Sweet William & Blossoming
2.) Redken Clear Moisture Instant Polishing Prep (leave-in hair conditioner)
3.) Kiehl's Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream
4.) Stila Kajal Eye Liner - Onyx
5.) MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

ALANA S. Five products I'm married to:
• Clinique Almost Make-up because it gives me an all over cover for my blotchy skin without going overboard on the coverage. It gives me a smooth, moist tone-never chalky. It also has SPF 15 to help me fight the sun.

• Cream blush. Aveda, Bobbi Brown and Nars make a good blush stick and I also like the MAC cream blush compact (although it's harder to apply). The color blends seamlessly into your skin. It's seriously magic. I also like to use the same color on my cheeks and on my lips with a coat of clear lipgloss over my lips. When people tell me I have "great coloring" I have almost always used this little trick (and I think it's a real trick because I don't have great coloring). You can also get away with wearing it to the pool or on that boating trip with your new man who hasn't seen you without make-up yet. It's that natural looking.

• Shu Uemura eyelash curler and Origins Underwear for Lashes. I have short stubby lashes and without this duo I have NO length. BEST curler out there-trust me I've tried them all! Doesn't pinch and actually holds your curl. This tip came from Oprah's make-up artist a few years ago and I haven't switched since. With Origins "Underwear" I get a lot more length and definition—I really swear by it now. A got a couple co-workers to start using it and now they’re addicts too!

• Bed Head Headrush, hair shiner (in the pink bottle). Every time I wear it someone tells me how good my hair smells. I like it in the summer when my long hair looks a little dry. I spray it all over and then comb it through dry hair for a polished, shiny look. I guess this one isn't a secret though. I moved in with 5 lovely sorority sisters in college and it was the one product we all had in common.

• In the summer I can't go without my Bobby Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick. I love it because it gives my skin a sun-kissed radiant look. I sweep a fat blush brush over the whole palate and apply to both checks then I take a finger and just use the lightest color on the apples of my cheeks, lower eye-lid and brow bone. People have asked me how I get that J.Lo Glow—this is the secret. I like it because it's an all-in-one bronzer/highlighter and it doesn't look or feel greasy.

*Okay that was technically six products, but whose counting? In all reality I could have done another section entitled: Five products I'm not 100% faithful to but still lust after anyway.

SUMMER H.
one. cetaphil cleanser
two. my MAC paint pot in the 'painterly' tint
three. bedhead superstar queen for a day thickening spray
four. sunscreen chapstick. the blue one with spf 15
five. pureology hydra cure intense moisture hair masque
bonus. aussie sprunch spray

JAMIE ANNE C. I don’t have a favorite hair product because I think a fab haircut should do the talking. But here are some goodies I can’t live without:

• Chanel foundation & Chanel soft pressed powder in Rosee: there are times in life when splurging is a girl's best friend

• Drugstore Maybelline mascara: I’ve NEVER paid more than $7 for mascara

• MAC Hush cream colour base & Instant Gold Lustreglass: Hush is the little lovely I never leave home without. It’s remarkable on lips, cheeks, eyes, collarbones, or anywhere else you want a glowing highlight

• MdSkincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel: I use this every other day to exfoliate and whoowhee does it leave my skin silky smooth

• Last but definitely not least, A Good Pair of Shades: I’m talking sunglasses, girls. when all else fails, these will never fail you

ELIZABETH W. Five?! I have to choose five? Okay. I'll do it. If I were going to a desert island and could only bring five things, they would be:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It's great because you can wash your face with it or use it as a moisturizer by smoothing a thin layer on your skin.

• Bare Minerals foundation. I love this stuff and wear it every day. I use it as foundation, cover-up, and powder, plus the package tells me it's good for my skin and I ALWAYS believe makeup packaging.

• Sinful Colors eyeshadow in Dazzling Night. This is a deep black eyeshadow that is amazing for lining the eyes with an angled brush. The bonus is that it's only $4.00 and it's better than any other shadow liner I've ever tried - and I've tried 'em all. Even on my "natural" makeup days, I put a thin line of black over my top lashes to define my eyes and make my eyelashes look full.

• Black mascara. Any brand will do. When I was little, I used to think that the only difference between girls and boys was eyelashes: girls have them, boys don't. That's probably why I'm a little bit crazy about allllways having mascara on. Going with bare lashes puts my gender in jeopardy.

• Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in either pink or peach. This is a lovely shimmer that can also be used as eyeshadow, highlighter, blush, or bronzer, depending on which of the four colors you swirl your brush in. Every time I put this stuff on, someone asks me how I get my skin to look so glowy. And I have terrible skin, so that's a much bigger deal than someone complimenting J.Lo's skin (apparently she gets diamond pearl facials). I'm so jealous.

COURTNEY M. i couldn't live without my self-tanner; i'm naturally pasty white and freckle all too easily. i wear spf 45 all year round and make up for it with a sun-kissed glow from a bottle. i find that if i keep these things maintained, then all i need to do if i'm in a rush is put on some mascara and lip gloss and i'm a-ok. french manicures are my favourite, so i always have a bottle of nude and a bottle of white nail polish in my makeup bag. in the summertime, i'm big into red toenails. "rich-girl red", my sisters and i call it. a glossy coat of nail polish gives every pair of sandals that extra bit of oomph!

ALLISON C.
• Two words: Lip Glass. MAC, Clear, to be precise. Can't live without it.

• For moisturizer, I have used Oil of Olay {with sunscreen} for 15 years and I swear by it. Light enough to not get cake-y with make-up, but enough moisture that I'm covered even in the Utah desert!

• Mascara? Very Black Maybelline mascara, with a curved brush. Pink bottle, green lid. Seriously, I've been using this since the 9th grade and we're in love with one another. I've had brief affairs with other mascaras, but none of them lasted. The other thing about Maybelline is that it comes off with baby wipes! Which is my next go-to make-up tip.

• Use wet wipes as make-up remover. At least for your eyes, you can wash your face for the rest.

• You can't go wrong with O.P.I. Nail polish. They're expensive little bottles, but totally worth it. They won't be gooing all over your nail polish collection anytime soon, the bottles last forever, as does the color on your fingers and tootsies!

• Aveda all the way for hair. Aveda's Sap Moss gives amazing volume. Love it. Anti-humectant tames the frizzies, and makes me feel polished and ready to go. Plus, you can't beat the fact that it smells like you've just stepped out of a high end salon when you wear it!

ERICA E.
• Infusium 23 (repair)ologie Leave-in Treatment: I am one who likes to get days and days out of my blow dry, so I hate using any product in my hair. I love this product because it is a liquid and not a cream. It isn’t heavy and I can’t even feel that it is in my hair. I pour a quarter size amount in my hand and with my fingers apply from root to end, and then I blow dry. It conditions, strengthens and helps heal split ends.

• Nars Nourishing Eye Cream: I use this product morning, noon and night. I get really dry red spots at the corners of my eyes sometimes so this product has saved my life. I also get worried about wrinkles around my eyes and this helps fight off those bad boys! It is light and fragrant free which is also a plus for me. You can wear it under make up or over, and a little goes a long way. It moisturizes, revitalizes, helps improve skin’s texture, improves resilience and smoothes wrinkles. I use a tiny dob and pat it around my eyes in the mornings, after I put my makeup on and before I go to bed.

• Mary Kay Lash Lengthening Mascara: After trying way too many mascara’s I finally found one that I love. It never flakes, makes my lashes look longer and is light weight. I buy about 3 tubes at a time and am good for six months.

• OPI Cuticle Oil: Anyone who has dry cuticles, like me, needs a little bit of this stuff! It is a small applicator brush that you use to brush on five moisturizing oils and antioxidants to dry cuticles. It has seriously been a lifesaver in the cold weather.

• Medicated ChapStick: I have been addicted to this stuff since the seventh grade. No other chapstick beats it. I have a tube in every purse, in every car, in the bathroom, by the sink, by my bed. I am very addicted but because I put it on so much I never ever have chapped lips! I use it under and over lipsticks and lip glosses. Seriously great stuff!

EMILY Y.
1. Oil of Olay original (in the pink bottle) Lotion.
2. Cetaphil Cleanser
3. Vaseline Intensive Care lotion
4. Clinique Gentle Light Powder and brush
5. Sally Hansen Wax Strips (for those times when you just can't make it to Finnish Touch Spa)

HANNAH C. My sister-in-law introduced me to Nioxin Shampoo about 6 months ago and I fell in love. It smells fantastic, gives a strengthening shine and helps to thicken your hair. It is a little more pricey than your average shampoo, but some things are worth it. Nothing compares to M.A.C eyeshadow. I keep trying to find a cheaper alternative, but haven't been satisfied. The colors are vibrant and they stay on ALL day. They also last forever! I have had my eyeshadow for 18 months and they aren't even halfway gone! My favorite color is Woodwinked, which seems to look great on everyone! I LOVE my d:fi pliable molding cream. It gives texture to you hair without making it look greasy. As long as your husband doesn't discover how great it is and use all of it, a small bottle should last you about a year. I am too cheap to get professional microdermabrasion, but I have found a great alternative! Mary Kay's Microdermabrasion is fabulous! It really REALLY works. In fact, Mary Kay's whole Time Wise line is so great! (And I know someone who sells Mary Kay for really cheap. Contact me for her info if you are interested!) I can't stand chipping nail polish. I want it to last. I have recently fallen in love with Nic's Sticks, available at Target. Easy to apply, great colors and LONG lasting!

SARAH H. Hair: Moroccan Oil, Purology shampoo/conditioner (Purple bottle), and Head and Shoulders (it smells so good and is so good for your hair! Its not just for dandruff!) Makeup: Estee Lauder More Than Mascara and Lash Primer, MAC Lip Glass, Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion, Nails: OPI nail polish for sure!

CHELSEY B.

1. OPI nail polish in any bright red or pink shade. Love it so much, I think it shows character and confidence.

2. Bumble and bumble "Surf spray", so great if you're in a hurry... spray in your hair, blow dry and let those natural waves take over. It gives that "just went to the beach sexy mama" hair!

3. MAC Plushglass lipgloss. My 2 favorite shades are "Cushy white" and "Fulfilled". They both have the perfect amount of shimmer for any occasion, go great over lipstick and make lips look full and lush.

4. Lately I have been LOVING "Soft soap" Body Butter Apricot Scrub. Ooooh this stuff is yummy! Squeeze some onto a luffa and scrub away. It has jojoba extracts and apricot seeds that gently exfoliate while helping retain the natural moisture in your skin.

5. Tigi bed head "Big fat fun" eye liner. It goes on smooth, works great if you're in a hurry and don't have tons of time to be precise. Has a smudgie on one end to make it look smokey and dramatic. I personally like my liner to be smokey so this liner is the one for me!

TARYN L. (one.) for my hair after party, by tigi. it is great to use before and after straightening, and smells delicious. (two) dear john, by benefit. it is really thick and really creamy. (three and four) the only two make up products that i really use every day are bronzer and mascara. i use the bare minerals bronzer and love it. (five) baby oil. i like to mix it with lotion. it seems to keep my skin more hydrated.

MARTA: here are my narrowed-down faves. MAC pencil eyeliner in Teddy (pretty brown with gold flecks, subtle and sweet) / Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner pots (a pot will last forever and once you get the technique down, it makes a perfect lined smoky eye) / MAC eye shadows; All That Glitters and Paradisco are among my go-to's. (Another tip; someone taught me to line my blue eyes by dipping a tiny,
damp angled brush into deep purple, Sketch, eyeshadow. it makes my eyes pop. i am a big believer in cozying up to the MAC counter for free demos.) / Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (this is by far the best concealer pen, undereye liquid ever. my mom brought it from new york and introduced me to it. absolutely perfect for my newborn babe days when i got no sleep.) / Bobbi Brown concealer stick is great for everything else. / Bumble & Bumble Prep and Thickening Spray do wonders for my fine hair. their hair powder is awesome for fun, big hair days too. / MAC Viva Glam V lipstick makes a perfect pout. (i like to play up my eyes, so wearing a neutral lipstick is essential. clinique superbalm gloss is dreamy too.) / Trish McEvoy has the softest makeup brushes I've ever come across, am saving up for them. / Sonia Kashuk (at Target) has a terrific pencil sharpener with two hole sizes and a mess-free, hinge cover. i've gotten carried away, i know. this list makes me sound either a.) like a beauty queen b.) like i won't be caught dead without makeup on or c.) like i'm completely high maintenance. i'm none of the above, i swear it!

now please, let me know your favorite products. tune in next week; these experts reveal their fun fashion tips.
thank you, panelists.

24 comments:

lucinda snyder said...

great post.
i consider myself a product junkie. i love the diorshow blackout mascara. its my splruge, but worth every penny.

also love the korres line of skincare. its an all natural line from greece.

apple slice said...

1. Coconut anything: currently the Coconut Frosting shampoo and salt scrub from Philosopy, Coconut shower cream from Body Shop, and Bath and Body Exotic Coconut Lotion.

2. Body Shop Monoi Miracle Oil for bath, body, and hair. It smells like Tahiti and lasts forever (my mini bottle is just half gone after eons.) Everything from the Spa Wisdom line of which this is part.

3. Bare Escentuals for face.

4. L'Occitane Hand Cream

5. Fragrance: L'Occitane Feu and Shedonism by Origins.

Jessica said...

Mmm... body shop hair masque. Maybelline blackest black mascara.
Bare Minerals powder.
My go-to-basics!

summer said...

hooray! i'm going to have to go grab a notebook and come back to this one. thanks for spilling your secret ingredients, everyone. (and thanks to marta, for asking for the spill.)

Unknown said...

Marta! I love your posts. Each single one is unique. Your content is so full of value... I love it. Thank you for putting the work you do into things. I can tell that you're making yourself happy... and in turn, it makes everyone else around you happy, too :o) Have a lovely Sunday!
xox,
Linnea

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

marta, i echo the previous post of linnea's... i look forward to reading your blog every day! thank you for allowing us to have a peek into your life :)... i have a quick question- is the font you used for the header of the beauty tips post one of your own or would you be able to tell me which it is? thank you so much, lily

Sarah said...

ooh! I love posts like this!

my five must haves:
1. bobbi brown skin foundation (feels like a tinted moisturizer, but with a bit more coverage)
2. painterly paint pot by mac
3. bobbi brown lip gloss in buff or rose sugar
4. orgasm blush by nars
5. mascara...still searching for my perfect one, current fave is rimmel sexy curves mascara

There are some great makeup artist who post lots of different tutorials on youtube, check out pixiwoo and makeupgeek for some fun looks!

Hil said...

This looks too fun I've gotta give it a go.

1. Nioxin hair shampoo and conditioner= ultra healthy hair.

2. Lash Blast Mascara (big lash result for cheap price!) coupled with eyelash curler.

3. Nicole Miller bronzer= perfect for those times when your face could use a light boost of color.

4. Apricot Scrub face wash by St. Ives is a newly discovered MUST HAVE.

5. Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss in clear (Pepperminty goodness!)

rebecca said...

oh how fun. double damn that my nordstrom is closed on sunday. i will have to hit them up in the morning!

Bec Lennox said...

1) Angels on Bare Skin by Lush. If I use this regularly enough I can pretty much go without anything else - it's that good.
2) Mineral foundation.
3) Red Lipstick - mine is royal red by Maybelline.
4) Dr Lewinns Revitanail.
5) Vitamin E oil.

Whitney said...

Oh man, I've got quite a few beauty products that I sweat by...

I'm big on eyeshadow bases so my makeup doesn't crease. The one that is working for me right now is Bare Escentuals Eye Primer. I've also tried Urban Decay Primer Potion and it's pretty fantastic as well. Either way primers are lovely because they keep your eye makeup in one place- despite sweat, oils skin... even sleeping. I've done a couple get-up-and-go's thanks to my primer. (I know that's horrible :( )

I also love Milani Eyeshadows. They are VERY comparable to Mac- there is basically one Milani Shadow for every Mac shadow- and they are around $4. Another good brand is Prestige which is also very comparable to Mac. Both available at most Walgreen's and online.

I've tried tons of mascaras and a standing favorite is anything Rimmel. It gives my short, straight lashed tons of volume and length. I love them!

I've also recently started using the Bare Escentuals face kit. After only a few days, I'm a believer and lover.

For liner I basically use any dark shadow that I like with a good liner brush. If I want a more defined look (cat-eyes) I'll use a little water to kinda 'paste' the shadow and then use it that way otherwise I just use a dry shadow for a smudge-y look.




Now I kind of have a question-
I have horribly thin hair so I've started using Nioxin (after being recommended tons of times). It's only been about two weeks but I'm wondering what other users have thought of it so far? Have you actually noticed a difference in the thickness of your hair? Any tips you have would be wonderful!

marta said...

thank you for the great product reviews. keep them coming! and for the NIOXIN shampoo inquiries, have never used it myself, but my friend hilary has GORGEOUS hair and blogged about this awesome product right here. (she is the expert if you have Nioxin questions!)

KJ said...

mac eyeshadows--I use a deep brown to line my blue eyes, but after reading this post i'm going to try the "sketch."
cetaphil cleanser--i've used it for years and it really does make my skin more balanced and soft.
nars, the multiple, in orgasm--it's a great pinky/apricot blush cream in a stick, nice for cheeks, eyes or lips.
clear mascara--I don't use much mascara, but sometimes I need a little so I use clear for just a bit of thickening and definition. It's also great on my unruly italian eyebrows.
good manners--use all the products and tricks you want, but if you are rude or crusty, it will all be a waste of money.

Kandice said...

Adore your blog.
I have linked you via an award on my blog. http://kandilooandhercrew.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-lovely-blogger-award.html

Tiffany said...

Oooo, I love beauty products! Thanks for this post!

brandy said...

Marta, as I was reading your list I was like did she hijack my make up drawer! EVERY item you mentioned I use all the time. How funny! I second your statement about the Trish McEvoy brushes. They are simply the greatest brushes out there! Though they are expensive, good brushes make all the difference.
A few extra fav's if you don't mind:
- Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.
- Trish McEvoy Eye Brightner. The white pencil works wonders on your eye. You can use it under the brow to highlight or apply it above the lower lashes and it makes your eyes pop!
- Trish McEvoy Finish Line. It makes any powder eyliner a liquid eye liner with just a drop. Love it!
- Mac Lip Liner in Whirl, MAc lip stick in Eden Frost, Mac lip gloss in cinnamon. Perfect natural lip.

couponqueen said...

Of the products from this list that I've tried, I love them all! I really like blogs like this because I like seeing other people's reviews on the products I've been wanting to try. Thanks for posting these!
http://www.overstockdrugstore.com/categories/hair-care/salon-care/tigi/

Anonymous said...

love this post! i've added a few items to my 'list of things to check out'. here are a few of my faves:
1. l'occitane shea butter ultra rich face cream. it's a bit heavier than what i used to use but it is just dreamy and creamy.
2. origins sunny disposition bronzing stick. it's always fun to carry a little sunshine around.
3. laboratoire remede hydra therapy eye cream. a little on the pricey side but worth it. (plus, i'm a total sucker for eye cream)
4. l'oreal feather lash mascara in brown/black. i love this mascara - no clumps, no flakes. but i think it's been discontinued!!

thanks again for this fun post, marta!

sunnysblog@gmail.com said...

adoring this series as there's so much to glean and apply to feel pretty (and sparkly!).

*The only skincare I can use without breaking out (proactiv - and it only works if I'm drinking enough water during the day AND if I massage the cleanser in for at least 20 seconds - morning and night)
* After wearing just gloss for a year, I wanted more color. Found this perfect pinkish-reddish lipstick at kohls (Flirt, #27, Dazzle). It dries out my lips..so I use a base of CO Bigelow's Cinnamint Mentha Lip Shine (bath & body works) and my lips dry out no longer.

*During a double-coupon week at Kmart, I found H.I.P cosmetics and bought some eyeshadow that is so pretty and stays on all day.

Am looking for some new hair products and you guys provided so many suggestions. Can't wait to try them!

Walker Family said...

"Love beauty"

1. Baremineral's from powder foundation, minerial veil, bronzer, blush, and eye shadows, and lip gloss.... I swear but every product... I have tried anything and everything and this is the best out there. Not to mention it's so much better for your skin.

2. Maybeline mascara you don't need to spend a lot to work those lashes

3. baking soda face scrubs.... it's cheap and so great you will notice a massive difference in only a few days to a week.

4. good makeup brush kit makes a true difference in how it all comes together.

5. Sunsilk for hair enough said.

-Amber

Travelin'Oma said...

Makeup is HOPE in a pot. I love it.

Becky said...

I have always had many questions on beauty products and what to use. I'm not very good at buying something without ever hearing about it before. These are GREAT posts to help those in need of beauty tips so thank you! Keep them coming!

I already have a list and it keeps growing on new products to try!

ALFIE said...

Burt's Bees naturally ageless pomegranate day lotion.

Kiehl's Tea Tree Oil Toner (i absolutely SWEAR by this!)

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

Cover Girl eyeliner in espresso

benefit: posie tint (for cheeks & lips)

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