Beauty and Fashion Tech

Mascara Monday: Physician’s Formula Mineral Mascara

Carleenp — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:57 +0000

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Mascara is rather interesting. The brush is quite unique—one side has small rubber bristles in a comb shape, while the other side is essentially flat with tiny bristles. The idea is that you can use the flatter side to add product and the comb to lengthen and separate. I got best results using the comb first, then the flat to add a bit more product and then third swipe with the comb. For a bit less of a dramatic effect, use the flat side first, then the comb.

I like the formula on this one quite a bit. It didn’t clump and boy did I get some length out of it! It also lasted all day for me with no flaking. However it wasn’t the easiest to remove, and I tend to prefer mascaras that I can wipe off with a wet cloth. If you are used to waterproof mascaras or always use an eye makeup remover, then it shouldn’t be a problem for you. The comb also really takes some getting used to. It took me several tries before I learned how to keep the brush on the side that I wanted it on. Once I got past that though, I really liked this mascara.

In Home Laser Hair Removal With Tria Beauty: Part II, Operating the Device

Carleenp — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:18 +0000

Awhile back, I posted an introduction to the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System (read previous review). Today I am covering my actual use of the system. To see how to use the device, watch this video and/or read below for the main points that the video covers.

The Tria Beauty System is an in home laser hair removal device. While it is not cheap ($795), it is considerably cheaper than doing a full series of laser hair removal appointments at a salon and offers the same results.

Using the device basically gives a slight heating sensation. It is quite comfortable, even on the highest setting. I have used it twice now, and find that in a few spots my hair seems slightly thinner. However, with it being summer, I am shaving so much that it is rather hard to tell. I suspect seeing where things are this fall after several more treatments will be quite telling.

To use the device, remember the following:

Laser hair removal is not instantaneous. Be prepared for repeated treatment over the course of 6-8 months.
Because any laser hair removal the system works by targeting a contrast of dark hair on light skin, it will not be effective on blond or white hair, and it cannot be used on dark skin tones. If you have a medium to dark complexion, laser hair removal may be dangerous for you. The best candidates are those with light skin and darker hair. The product has various safety features to assure that only those with the proper skin tone can use it.
Laser hair removal is for the legs, underarm and general bikini areas. It is not safe to use in the areas of the face, breasts, or genitals.
Although very easy to use, it takes time to do each treatment. Small sections are “zapped” at a time in an overlapping pattern. So it takes awhile to do a leg. Plan accordingly!
Be sure to use on clean, dry, freshly shaved skin. Do not wax or epilate for 6 weeks before use.
For more, see the FAQ on the Tria Beauty website.

Stay tuned over the coming months as I report how well the device works for me.

Fourth of July Nail Polish

Carleenp — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:42 +0000

I decided to get festive with my nail polish for the fourth of July holiday. This look was done using Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Polish in Rapid Red, a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Blue, and Kiss 3D Nail Art stickers. I got all of the items at a local drugstore.

The look was pretty easy to do. Apply a base coat and then a coat of Insta-Dri. Put on the 3D star stickers, and paint on the blue polish. Then set it all with a clear top coat.

This was my first time using the Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens. I really like them. The color is water based, so if you make a mistake, you can erase it with a wet cotton squab. Once you have the design that you like, a clear top coat will seal it.

Too Faced Lockdown Cream Eye Shadow

Carleenp — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:30:13 +0000

Too Faced is a good mid-range price line of cosmetics that tends to have some fun and funky shades. Recently, they sent me a sample of their Lockdown cream eye shadow to try.

Too Faced LOCKDOWN Ultimate Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow JailbaitToo Faced Lockdown is described as a crease proof eye shadow with a Hollywood twist—intense metallic pigments are combined with color. I was sent the shade Jailbait, which is a luminous pink shade:

As you can see, this one really shines. The metallic certainly shows through and it really is quite luminous. The color is quite pretty and the shadow is indeed quite crease proof. It wears nicely and lasted all day for me. I’m not one who tends to wear an all out metallic eye, so I have usually been wearing this as a highlight in conjunction with some matte or toned down cream shadows. Put a bit in the inside corner of the lid for a fun look, or try putting a bit in the middle of your lid for a bright pop of highlight that will really open up your eyes.

Lockdown retails at around $18.50

Etude House USA

Carleenp — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:30:39 +0000

Etude House is a Korean cosmetics company that has a number of lovely products, including a good blemish balm (read review). For the longest time, it was difficult to obtain their products in the United States. The company did not retail in the U.S. and was limited to a few Asian markets. I used to buy the products on Ebay.

Now there is an online retailer selling in the U.S.—EtudeHouseUSA.com. A note on the site does say that orders are currently a bit delayed because of overwhelming response. Personally, I think this brand is worth waiting a bit for though.

OPI Nail Polish South Beach Collection

Carleenp — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:29:05 +0000

I had a hard time choosing a nail lacquer shade to try from the OPI South Beach Collection. I finally decided on Paint My Moji-Toes Red, which is a nice berry red shade.

For some reason, this polish didn’t last all that long for me though. Usually OPI lasts OK for me, so it was likely something I did, such as applying it too thick—I’m often guilty of that and this one didn’t need an extra coat. In any event, I do really love this shade. I got mine at an Ulta Store.

Shop for OPI Nail Products

Bloggers Responding to Total Beauty

Carleenp — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:41:45 +0000

Yesterday, I ran a lengthy piece responding to comments made by the CEO of Total Beauty Media. For those who are interested in the response from other bloggers, here is a list, which I am updating as additional material comes in:

Purely Cosmetics - Blogger Product Review Uproar
Beauty Junkie London - TB Gate: Beauty Blogging Uproar
British Beauty Blogger - Say What, Mr. CEO?
Gloss Menagerie - Total Beauty’s Drama Llama Extravaganza
Casual Lavish - TotalBeauty.com CEO Knocks Down Bloggers
The Nail Phile - Total Beauty Media’s CEO Turns On Us
Beauty School - Brands Should Not Be Working with Bloggers
Beauty in the Bag - Blogola Schmogola
Bionic Beauty - Total Beauty’s Blogger Blunder
Advice Sisters - Bloggers Under Attack
Eye4Style - Should Beauty Brands Work With Bloggers?
Michael Rogers Public Relations - Beauty Brands Should Work With Bloggers
The Stalwart Communications Blog - Memo to Total Beauty Media-make friends, not enemies, online

Tomorrow things will be back to normal here with coverage of cosmetics instead of the business of blogging.

Beauty and Fashion Tech

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