Ella's Mommy Makeup Reviews

How to remove Shellac Nail Polish

2011-11-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a very common question about shellac. If you’re like me when I first started to get shellac done, you might think nail polish remover and a few cotton balls will do the trick. Uhm. But unfortunately that won’t do it.

To remove shellac here is what you need:

100% acetone
8-10 cotton balls
10 pieces of foil (big enough o wrap around each finger)

How to remove shellac, step by step:

1. Have all this ready before you start

2. Dip cotton balls into acetone

3. Place the soaked cotton ball on top of your finger nail

4. Wrap around with foil

5. Repeat on rest of the finger nails

6. Let soak for 10 minutes

7. Scrape of with something similar to a nail file (the metal one)

8. Clean up each finger nail with cotton ball and file if necessary

That should do it. :)

I love Shellac so far!

2010-10-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

So I finally found a nail shop close by that does shellac nails and that has great reviews. I gotta say I am amazed with the results so far. It hasn't been long only three days but still. I've done my normal routine housework and my nails still look like they did on the day I had them done. No nicks - nothing. Simply incredible.

Here is a picture of my nails on day 1.

I will post more pictures on day 7 and day 14 and so on.

The nail tech that did my nails was very knowledgeable about shellac nails. He said that preparation is the most important. It took him about 30 minutes and he really took his time.

If you have your own nails but the regular nail polish doesn't stay long, you have to give Shellac a try!

Shellac Nails | Shellac Polish - Manicure for natural nails

2010-10-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

While having my daughters birthday party a friend of mine shared with me about a new product called Shellac. She always had great looking natural nails and would occasionally get a manicure but I noticed this time that her nails just looked fabulous. I was so surprised when she said that she had her manicure done a month ago! Her nails looked awesome, only thing I could notice is how it grew out a bit but otherwise her nails looked so shine and didn't have not even one chip.

Apparently, CND Shellac is a new product that just came out in May of this year.

I finally found a nail salon near by (the place she did her shellac nails at is a bit far for me) and I will be booking an appointment and reviewing the product.

I am so super excited. I cook, clean, have a toddler to run after so my manicures don't last (even with a double top coat) so I am so looking forward to trying out the shellac nail polish. So far, I've heard nothing but great things about it.

I will be posting a review soon and pictures! :)

If you've had shellac nail polish done, I'd be more than happy to hear what your experience has been like!

Vincent Longo Canvas

2010-05-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Vincent Longo Canvas

This is a great foundation for someone who want coverage for the whole day.

Pros:
Extremely easy to apply
Goes on very smoothly
Good Pigmentation
Long lasting

Cons:
Not a whole lot of coverage
A bit pricey

Overall, Vincent Longo Canvas is an okay foundation. Its good for someone who wants a foundation that looks as natural as possible who doesn't need a whole lot of coverage. But if you're someone who may want a lot of coverage from a foundation, then Vincent Longo Canvas may not be the right option for you.

Vincent Longo Canvas is available for purchase at Amazon currently for $57.

Vincent Longo Lipstick

2010-05-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

Vincent Longo lipstick | Vincent Longo lip

I am not a huge fan of lipsticks, I much more prefer lip glosses but I gave this one a try. I think its very nice taking in consideration that in the past I always had an impression of lipsticks making your lips very dry. Vincent Longo Lipstick didn't do that. Some pros and cons below.

Pros:
Nice natural looking color
Moisturizing
Pleasant taste

Cons:
Doesn't last long, have to keep applying it through out the day.

If you've tried this lipstick, what was your experience with it?

Tarte Cheek Stain

2010-05-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

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I saw an ad for that product in Allure Magazine and decided to give it a try. The packaging is pretty and nice amount of makeup comes when you press it. Not like some commodities Globs Globs incentives. It is very smooth and there are no scratches at all. The only con I noticed while using it - I think if someone has more to cover, it can not have a lot more coverage. It works well for me because my skin is very clear. It keeps the skin very moisturizing and has worked well in the humidity!

Almay Pure Blends Review

2010-05-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

I bought this make up simply because it was on sale at a local store (it was $3.99) so I figured what the heck. Three bucks more or less. It alright. I've been using it for a couple months now and here is what I think:

Pros

Easy to apply
Stays on for a while
97.4% natural
Great price

Cos

My skin is oily and it seems like this particular one doesn't really help control that
The particular color that I got is 'buff chamois' and although my skin is pretty pale, this color made me look even more pale (but thats where the blush has been helping me - thankfully).

I will just finish it but will probably go back to the Neutrogena one I've been using before. I'll have to find an empty bottle somewhere in the house so I can remember the exact name of it so I can write a review for it. :)

Overall, I'd give Almay Pure Blends a 3 out of 5.

The lowest price I saw it going for online is $6.99 at Amazon.

Outlast Lipstain

2010-05-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

Outlast Lipstain | Outlast Lip stain | CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain | CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain Review

I bought three colors: 400 Kiss Ever Bloom Sassy Mauve 420 440 cranberry Wink . I'm pretty light skinned especially int he winter, and I get pretty dark in the summer. This gives you the right to AMOUNT lip color to wear under a chandelier or on its own. Do not get me wrong, I love them, I do not need or never use them. They are very nice, but the boards are terrible and tastes bland. He Nice, but for $ 7, it is not worth it. I don't think I will miss it. Sorry.

Lip and Cheek Stain

2010-05-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

lip and cheek stain

I like this product. The color lasts a long time and its very natural looking. It gives you color without making you look made up. Its smells like roses when you first put it on and then the scent goes away. I love it! What I don't like though is that the mini one I bought for $10 but on it states that its 'not for sale'. Hmmm? Why are is it for sale if its not meant to be. So maybe some retailers give this as a free sample, but I am unaware of it.

Benefit Cosmetics Blush

2010-05-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Benefit Cosmetics Blush

For the most part I like benefit cosmetic products. While using this benefit cosmetics blush I really liked the color but found that it doesn't stay on for a long time. The color is also very pretty and natural. I don't mind applying it every few hours so its alright.

Paula Dorf Lip Color

2010-05-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Paula Dorf Lip Color

The packaging of this lipstick is very pretty. This is my first Paula Dorf Lip Color and I think its alright. The color is very pretty and looks glossy on the lips. The downside though is it doesn't have smell or taste, and that's something I just gotta have when it comes to lipsticks. But if the fact that it has no smell or taste doesn't bother you, then you may like it.

Its available for purchase on Amazon.

Paula Dorf Cheek Color Cream

2010-05-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

paula dorf cheek color cream | paula dorf cheek color | paula dorf makeup | paula dorf cosmetics

I like this blush but its not my favorite. Its alright nothing too special about it. The color is nice. It looks very natural on my cheeks. I use thePeek-a-Boo color which is pretty light (which I prefer since I am light too) but you can always apply a bit more to get a darker color.

I heard all the great about it and its not bad but for some reason I am not too crazy about. Maybe I just refer powder brushes.

Paula Dorf Cheek Color Cream is available online at Amazon.

Secret Roll On Deodorant

2010-05-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

Secret Roll On Deodorant | Secret Roll On Deodorant Review | Unscented

Before trying Secret Roll On Deodorant, I've always used the regular white color or the clear deodorants but either way they always stained my shirts so I figured let me give this a try. This was right when I was pregnant with my daughter and it was at a time when I needed a stronger deodorant (if you're a mom yourself, you may know what I am talking about). But I've been using it ever since. Overall its better than the ones I've used in the past but I don't think its perfect. One of the things that I don't like is that its a bit runny so you really can't dress up immediately after putting it on. It does give you the protection all day though. So its good in that aspect. I use the Powder Fresh scent and like it.

Secret Roll On Deodorant is available online at Amazon for $5.35.

Secret Roll On Deodorant Unscented is also available at Amazon for $2.98.

Redken Glass

2010-05-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Redken Glass | Redken Glass Review | Redken Glass 01

I usually put this product after I straighten my hair. I like how it makes my hair shiny, but I didn't notice that it really helps with the frizzes (the flat iron does though). It also doesn't have any smell. One thing when using this product is not to put too much otherwise it will make your hair oily. Just a few drops will do. Yes its a bit pricey but a little bottle can last you a very long time.

Redken Glass is available online at Amazon for $8.99

Therapy G Shampoo review

2010-05-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

Therapy G Review | Therapy G Shampoo | Therapy G

Six months after I had my daughter I experienced a big hair loss. A couple times I counted the hairs and it was like 200 hair pieces. I thought that I was gonna go bald and knew that I needed to do something. While ordering a new flat iron I decided to throw Therapy G in and give it a try. Here is my take on it:

Pros:

The hair loss slowly decreased and eventually did stop. (of course a hair falls out during a shower here and there, but nothing to even compare to how it was falling out!)
It smells very refreshing
Makes my hair look very healthy and strong

Cons:

It doesn't really add much of volume to my hair like the Herbal Essence Voluminizing Shampoo does
A bit pricey at $12.95 12 oz bottle

Other than the volume, I am very happy with the purchase of Therapy G Shampoo. My 2nd bottle just arrived a week ago and I am back to using it every other time (the other times I use the Herbal Essence one).

Its available for purchase at Amazon.

Herbal Essences Body Envy

2010-05-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

Review: Herbal Essences Body Envy | Herbal Essences Body Envy Voluminizing | Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo | Herbal Essences Body Envy Voluminizing Shampoo

After having our daughter, I've lost a lot of my hair and unfortunately some of it hasn't gown back. I've been using the therapy G shampoo to help the hair grow back and ran out. In the meantime, I needed another shampoo and a cousin of mine had beautiful looking hair so I asked what product she's been using - thats how I got introduced to Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo. Although this shampoo didn't and isn't meant for helping the lost hair grow back, it almost made me believe that it did. It makes my hair appear thicker in general and it feels thicker (harder to blow dry and takes longer too!). The only downside is my hair is naturally oily and the nice hair volume feel doesn't last for long. I find that the next day my hair is flat and doesn't have the volume it had yesterday. But I have to wash my oily hair daily anyway, so I don't really mind this little con. I've used it for about two months and can't say that I've noticed any permanent improvement but every time I use it I notice the difference. Its definitely worth the price, it does what its supposed to do.

Now my other issue is how will I go back to Therapy G. Therapy G did help me grow some of the lost hair back (I will review later on!), but I also love the volume that Herbal Essences Body Envy gives my hair. I am wondering if I can use both and if so will I have the benefits of both?

Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning

2010-05-14T02:55:00.000-07:00

Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning | Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion | loreal sublime bronze review

I admit it I am as pale as a person can be. Years ago I used a self tanner (it was such a long time ago that I can't even remember the name!) and haven't used one sense after such a bad experience with it being so stinky to say. Then years ago I even went to a tanning booth :( (I know bad, but I just wanted a tan!). Recently, I went to my dermatologist and she explained that to stay looking younger I need to stay away from the son and stay even more away from the tanning booth! So my response to her was 'I can't wait for summer to get some tan, and now that's not even recommended'. Her suggestion was the self tanners. So in the past I've been pretty happy with Loreal products so I gave Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanner a shot and here is my take on it:

Pros:

Very effective (does what its
supposed to do)
Smells good
Doesn't smudge on my clothes (I
usually dress up 5 or so minutes after applying it)
Affordable
Available at most local stores

Cons:

It will streak if you don't apply it
evenly!
After not applying it for a few days,
I noticed that the color was coming off unevenly

I just love love that it doesn't smudge and stain my clothes. I once got a spray tan (5 years ago) and wore a white top while traveling on a long flight to Europe and it was the most embarrassing moment ever! When I lift my arms, I swear it looked like I hadn't taken a shower for days!!! Thank God this self tanner doesn't do that.

Funny thing is, some friends were asking how come I still have a tan and its been over three months since we came back from Mexico vacation, LOL. My husband would joke with them that I stay in the backyard tanning all day. After that, of course I told them about Loreal Sublime Bronze Self tanner.

Overall, I think its a very good product for the price. It doesn't last very long but I don't mind applying it
every couple days and I love my tan!

Upcoming Reviews

2010-05-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Upcoming posts:

Redken Gloss Serum
Secret Roll On Deodorant

Lashblast by Cover Girl review

2010-05-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Cover Girl Lashblast Review | Lashblast Review | Covergirl lashblast mascara | lashblast mascara review

Where do I start....
I've used the XXL Mascara for a very long time, a least four years and I am so glad that I switched to this one. I am the type of person that if something works okay, I am so hesitant to review something better, as if I am nervous of it disappointing me.

Pros:

It adds length AND volume
Great brush
Lasts long (but not long enough J)
Totally affordable
You can buy it at local stores (Wallgreens, Wallmart, etc)

Cons:

It doesn’t give my eyelashes a lot of curl

Overall, Lashblast by Cover girl did not disappoint me at all. I naturally have somewhat of long eyeslashes but this mascara mede them so long that so many people have asked me if my eyelashes were fake. It gave them the extra length, plus the volume. Somehow I have a feeling that I will be using this mascara for a long time...

Before:

After:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Review

2010-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is an okay foundation, it isn't anything special, but nothing terrible either. It applies smoothly to my skin, stays put for most of the day, and evens out my skin tone pretty well. The colour is pretty nice, I have it in the palest shade "Siberia" and it matches my skin pretty well, though it isn't exactly "neutral" as it claims to be. It definitely leans toward the yellow side but that isn't a huge problem for me. Pale is pale in my case! I probably won't be running to Sephora to repurchase this when it runs out, as there are plenty of other foundations that I adore more than this one at a fraction of the price, but I will probably be able to finish the bottle I have without much trouble. :)