Pretty Much

Review: Gilette Venus and Olay Razor

2012-03-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

PROS: Glides effortlessly over skin, can't feel the blades at all, renders shaving cream obsolete, moisturizes skin while shaving, pretty, comes with shower hook, easily to grip, five blades, bends and adjusts to curves

CONS: Nada!

I haven't been this excited about shaving since the sixth grade.

I was getting sick of my old razor by the same brand, and was preparing to head out and buy a men's razor because I've heard they actually provide a closer shave. Luckily, Influenster saved me the trouble by sending me this razor for free in their recent Love VoxBox. I wasn't expecting too much since previous Venus razors I've used haven't really been anything special. Influenster included this razor in their Love themed VoxBox as a way to get "date-ready in a flash." Well, being single, that wasn't a concern, but I went for it and used the razor anyway.

Turns out, I did fall in love. With this freaking incredible razor.

First of all, the Venus and Olay razor was shipped out to Influensters before it is available to the general public, which makes me feel super-cool. You'll be able to buy this virtually everywhere in the U.S. starting on March 15, 2012. It will be retailing for about $8-$10. Trust me, it's SO worth it.

Anyway, I hopped in the shower, propped my leg up, got the head of the razor wet, and went for it. My first thought when razor met skin? Something along the lines of "Oooh." The head of the razor is almost cushiony, and feels silky-soft. Shaving in upward strokes, you can't even feel the five blades moving on your skin. This razor literally glides across your skin, leaving in its wake a trail of silky Olay goodness. Using any form of shaving cream or soap to help the shaving process is pointless with this. It provides its own wonderful protection against razor burn or nicks with the Olay bars. The head and the bars pivot to hug your curves, making it easy to get the hair on tricky places, like the backs/fronts of knees, ankles, etc. without worrying about the razor moving with you.

The grip on the handle is wonderful. It would be hard to drop this razor, unless you're really trying to. It's made of soft, cushiony rubber that is ribbed underneath and smooth on top. Also, it's kinda pretty. The handle is a shimmery pale yellow with white accents, so it's aesthetically pleasing along with providing a pleasant shave.

The Olay moisture bars on this razor contain some of the same skin-enhancing elements that Olay uses in its other products. The bars have petrolatum, a moisturizing agent, to help protect against that dry feeling you can get after shaving, and to moisturize the skin even after you're out of the shower. The glycerin in the bars helps to leave the skin glowing and soft.

The razor also comes with this a little shower hook (shown left) that attaches to your shower wall with a little suction cup, so you can keep it somewhere that you can easily access it, and so that the Olay bars can dry without sticking to anything else.

Using this razor actually feels quite like pulling a soft silk ribbon along the skin. It is honestly the most pleasant-feeling razor I have ever used.

It's been about an hour since I used the Venus and Olay razor, and even without applying lotion, my legs don't feel dry at all. They are smooth, shiny, and feel pretty incredible. Because you don't need shaving cream to use this razor, it cuts down on the time it takes to shave your legs (no lathering necessary!), although if I'm shaving with this, I wouldn't mind spending a few extra minutes with it!

So, for the smoothest, silkiest, softest, most comfortable shaving experience ever, grab this Venus and Olay razor. This is one of the few products I've reviewed that has gotten a full 10 out of 10, so you know how I feel about it. Now go try it for yourself! You can get more information on the Venus and Olay razor here.

When you get your hands on this fantastic razor, let me know what you think of it in the comments!

My Love VoxBox is Here!

2012-03-05T20:22:00.000-05:00

After waiting anxiously ever since this box was announced on Valentine's day, my Love VoxBox from Influenster has arrived!

Influenster put a few fantastic things in this box that I'm incredibly excited to try out and review! Here's an overview of what I received in my Love VoxBox:

A Venus and Olay Razor From Gilette: I couldn't be happier to get this! I was actually just about to buy a new razor, so this couldn't have come at a better time. It looks like this razor has moisturizing bars infused with Olay goodness... I'm looking forward to some very silky-smooth skin!
A Gourmet Milk Chocolate Creamy Devotion Bar from Ghirardelli: Need I say more? The word "bliss" comes to mind. There's a reason their slogan is "moments of timeless pleasure."
Kiss Nail Dress: I LOVE getting manicure products. I generally don't like going to salons for manicures because I don't feel like answering a multitude of questions about my three-fingered hand, so any products that make the at-home process a little easier make me a happy girl! I got a super-sexy, sparkly, pink zebra-striped pattern that I'll be definitely be wearing out for my upcoming birthday!
An Herbal Tea Sampler from Stash: As an actor, I know how good tea is for the voice, and am encouraged by my peers and instructors to drink plenty. However, I have a tendency to be bored by bland flavors. This sampler, though, is enough to intrigue me! With flavors like Cinnamon Apple Chamomile, Mango Passionfruit, and Wild Raspberry Hibiscus, I just know I'm going to enjoy this tea!
Truvia: I have to admit, their sing-songy commercials get old pretty quick, but as someone on a diet who happens to have a major sweet tooth, this zero-calorie sweetener may just be a life saver! I can't wait to try it in combination with the Stash Tea!

So, that's the Love VoxBox! Stay tuned for reviews of my favorite products from this batch... I'm going to go get started on that chocolate! ;)

My Apologies!

2012-03-05T01:38:00.002-05:00

Hey, everyone!

I just wanted to apologize for my absence and inactivity over the past few weeks. It's been a crazy month overall for me with performances, auditions, callbacks (and getting cast, yay!), general schoolwork, and having a social life, but things are finally starting to wind down a little. Added to this craziness is the fact that I'm currently pretty broke (welcome to the life of a college student), which means that I haven't been buying and trying many new products. This post is just to let you know that I AM still here, and will be blogging about some new products within the next few days! My birthday is a week from tomorrow, so some beauty-related goodies should be coming my way, and I'm also due to receive the love themed VoxBox from Influenster any day now. So no worries, I'll be posting a new review or two within the next few days!

To try to make up for my lack of posts, here's a picture of me with a blue Icee tongue.

Thanks for your patience with me, and thanks for reading Pretty Much Reviews!

Review/Video: Philips Satin Perfect Epilator

2012-02-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 9/10

PROS: Removes hair very well, leaves skin smooth for weeks, comes with massaging and hair-lifting attachments, soothes skin while it works, sturdy, can be used all over the body, portable

CONS: Stings a bit, can be messy since it just pulls out a bunch of hair and doesn't store it anywhere.

When I found out that I'd be getting this epilator for free through Bzzagent.com, I actually squealed out loud. It was an excellent coincidence; I had been considering buying an epilator literally the day before, but faltered because of the price. This BzzCampaign happened at exactly the right time!

The reason I had been considering an epilator in the first place is that I was sick of the stubble that comes from shaving, and hated having to do it every other day in the tiny, locker-sized shower my dorm provides. I wanted an option that would last longer, be easier to do, and would give great results. Add to that the fact that I was in a play that required me to be onstage in my underwear in front of a large crowd, and I was in need of a solution. The Philips Satin Perfect epilator answered my prayers!

First, let's talk about the epilator itself. This bad boy has textured ceramic disks that pull the hair out from the root, and is made of a very sturdy material that makes it feel safe to use. It has two speed options, and comes with several different attachments that massage the skin and lift the hair to make the whole process easier. It also comes with a head for shaving and trimming, which turns it into an electric razor instantly. The epilator is also packaged with a pair of nifty little lighted tweezers that I really like. It also comes with a pouch for carrying the device and its accessories, making it entirely portable.

The epilator removes quite a bit of hair in just one stroke, so even though it stings, it's only for a second and you won't have to go over the same area twice. It feels very similar to waxing, but without all of the goop! The fact that the epilator vibrates a bit helps to soothe the skin, and the massaging attachments make it so that sting goes away very quickly. Just like waxing, there will be a little bit of redness afterwards, but this will disappear after an hour or so. The thing that I like about this so much more than waxing is the fact that the epilator ONLY pulls at the hair, while wax can stick to the skin and pull and irritate it along with the hair.

The epilator can be used virtually anywhere on the body, including the legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line. Obviously some areas will be more sensitive than others, so the degree of pain will vary depending on where you use it.

Okay ladies, I know this is what many of you want to know, and what some of you may not want to know. Skip this paragraph if you don't want to get down to the nitty-gritty. I mentioned earlier that I had to be in my underwear on stage. Well, my hair is naturally a dark brown, and my undies for the stage were a very light, nearly sheer pink. Combined with the stage lights... Well, I had to do something. I have gotten extremely bad razor burn and ingrown hairs while shaving my bikini line before, so I didn't want to shave... So, I mustered up every ounce of courage I had and used this epilator to go bare "down there." Did it hurt? Yes. I'm not going to lie to you. It was painful, much like I imagine a Brazilian would be. Was it worth it? Holy crap, yes. It's been about two weeks, and I'm still smooth and hair-free with no bumps or ingrowns at all. So yes, ladies, you CAN use it for that. Just do it carefully, and prepare for some watery eyes.

The only beef I have with this product is that there's a lot of hair that ends up just sort of floating around when you're done. The epilator removes the hair, and then it either gets stuck below the rotating disks or flung somewhere else. I'd recommend using this epilator in a (empty) bathtub, so that you can control the hairy mess and rinse it away quickly. This epilator should be used on DRY skin, so be sure you don't use it during normal bath/shower time. The epilating head is detachable and waterproof, so you can quickly rinse out any hair that gets stuck in the discs.

Overall, I would recommend this product to all people who have some degree of pain tolerance. It stings, but it's definitely worth it for the results that you get. The results last up to four weeks, and the hair will actually grow back thinner.

Here's a quick video showing the epilator so you can get a better sense of what it looks and sounds like, and how to work the device!

The Philips Satin Perfect Epilator retails for about $130, and can be purchased from Amazon here. There are less expensive Satin Perfect models, but the deluxe one is the one that I have and am providing my opinion on.

What have your epilation experiences been like? What do you think about the Philips Satin Perfect Epilator? Let me know in the comments!

Video: Introduction to the Ben Nye Theatrical Creme Kit

2012-02-07T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! Today I decided to do my first post related to theatrical makeup. As an actor, I know how confusing a new stage makeup kit can be, so I thought I'd try to explain the parts of a basic, well-known theatrical makeup kit for those who don't know too much about stage makeup!
Let me know what you think of the video and what your experiences with Ben Nye have been like in the comments!

Review: Maybelline XXL Extensions® Washable Mascara

2012-02-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

PROS: Drastically lengthens lashes, brushes are easy to use, comes with both a primer and mascara

CONS: Actual mascara may make lashes a little spidery, clumps easily if not applied carefully

I ran out of my go-to Covergirl Lashblast Fusion mascara a little while ago, and while I believe that the Lashblast mascara definitely does its job, I wanted to try something else out for a change and to see if there was anything better out there that I was missing.

I just happened to glance down to the bottom of the Maybelline display at CVS while I was browsing, and the XXL Pro Extensions mascara caught my eye. I remembered my friend having an early version of this mascara when we were both just beginning to experiment with makeup, so it was a little bit of a nostalgia attack. I picked it up just to check it out, and noticed that there were some pretty extraordinary claims about what this mascara can do on the packaging. As someone who is constantly irritated by my short, thin lashes, anything that claims that it could make them a even a little bit longer is something I'm eager to try. I purchased the mascara and headed home to test it out.

Maybelline claims that this product can give you "up to 85% visibly longer lashes." While I'm not sure about how close it comes to hitting that exact percentage, the claim about visibly longer lashes is no joke.

This product is actually a two-in-one; A lash primer that tames lashes and builds length, and a mascara that darkens and adds even more length. The tube is double-ended, and the brushes are attached to the center part. The caps that you twist off contain the mascara and the primer. The primer is marked with the number 1 (so you know to apply it first), and the mascara is marked with a number 2. If you've never used a primer before, don't be surprised by the white color--it will be completely covered up by the step 2 mascara.

If nothing else, I'd highly recommend getting this mascara for the primer alone. It separates, tames, and drastically lengthens lashes like nothing I've ever used before. It's simply wonderful!

Immediately after applying this mascara, I noticed an obvious, dramatic increase in the length of my lashes. Here are the before (left) and after (right) pictures:

As you can see, the length is definitely improved by this product. The mascara also gives a very nice, intense wash of black to the lashes to make your eyes pop.

As far as the actual mascara goes, I've used better. It has a tendency to clump and/or make the lashes stick together, although careful and proper application will help to curtail this problem.

So, is this product worth buying? In a word, yes. The primer will not disappoint you, and will certainly lengthen short lashes. The mascara works just fine, and if you have a steady hand, you can get great results!

Maybelline XXL Extensions® Washable Mascara can be found in the U.S. at most drugstores (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.) and some specialty stores, like Ulta. This mascara is also available in a waterproof formula, and both retail for about $9.

Have you used this or any of the other XXL mascaras from Maybelline? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio® Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow

2012-02-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 6/10

PROS: Easy to apply, nice color selection, stays on all day, very pigmented color

CONS: Feels a bit gritty after a while, difficult to remove, hard to get it to look exactly right

As you can probably tell by some of my previous posts, I'm a little bit of a Maybelline addict. I've been really happy with the new products that they've been coming out with lately, so it was only natural that I would try to go out and find their newest cosmetic item. The Eye Studio® Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow (which is quite the mouth full) was out of stock for a while at my local drugstores, but on a recent shopping trip--which, if you're like me, is originally intended for food and other necessities, but ends up turning into a makeup haul--the display was fully stocked. I couldn't resist, and grabbed some of the Color Tattoo shadow in Pomegranate Punk. I went home and put it on right away. Sadly, I have to say that this product didn't quite live up to the recent Maybelline hype.

This is a cream/gel eyeshadow, so you apply it with your fingertips. This is something I'm definitely not used to yet, since all of my eyeshadow application skills involve brushes as tools. I had a hard time getting it exactly even, which I'm sure will improve with practice. I also was a little bit irritated at how long it took me to wash the product off of my finger, but then again, maybe cream eyeshadow just isn't for me.

Keep in mind, once this product is on, it is ON. It's not going anywhere. It really lives up to it's "tattoo" namesake. This made blending a little difficult, but also assured me that I wouldn't have to worry about reapplying any time soon.

The cream/gel texture is nice when you first apply it, but here's where this product lost major points with me--after a while, the shadow sets and starts to dry, leaving behind a gritty, stiff texture that I didn't appreciate at all. Eventually when I removed it, it felt like I was trying to scrape caked-on mud and sand from my eyelids, which I imagine would be just as unpleasant as this was.

The reason I had to rate this product above average, though, is because of how pretty the color is. For any other green-eyed ladies like me, Pomegranate Punk is a perfect compliment to the color and will really make your eyes pop.

So, for the bottom line... Will I buy this product again? Honestly, I probably won't. I don't think it's worth it to buy a product that is just so-so in many categories, even if it looks really nice. For cream eyeshadow fanatics, this is probably a really great product, but it's just not for me.

If you want to pick some up to try for yourself, the Maybelline Eye Studio® Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow can be found at most drugstores in the U.S. (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.) and at some specialty stores such as Ulta, and retails for about $7.

Have you tried any of the Color Tattoo eyeshadows? What was your experience with this product? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

2012-01-29T00:50:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

PROS: Great color selection, smooth application, feels good on lips, nourishes lips, very long-lasting

CONS: Packaging feels very cheap, many layers are required for full-impact color

After recently being required to purchase a rather expensive stage makeup kit for an upcoming show, I was sure that I would have all of the makeup I would need for my future performances in Real Women Have Curves. However, as much as I love Ben Nye stage makeup, I quickly discovered a major flaw in this particular kit--the only included lip color was a muted neutral; which, for a play set in the 80's, was just simply not going to do. With our second dress rehearsal approaching quickly, I found myself in dire need of a great, bright red lip color that would last easily through an entire performance.

Naturally, I trucked over to the campus area CVS and started browsing. The display for the Revlon Lip Butters caught my eye immediately. It was bright and inviting, with plenty of pretty little tubes in a wide array of colors. Recently in the beauty blogging world, the Revlon Lip Butters have been generating a lot of buzz, so I figured that I'd pick up the brightest red I could find in the collection and pray that it would live up to the hype.

Not only will the Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple work beautifully for stage makeup, but I have a feeling I'll be wearing it offstage as well.

I have to start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of the packaging of this product. The design is nice; the cap of the tube has a pretty quilted pattern, and the tube itself looks very sleek and elegant. However, the whole thing feels very cheap and plastic-y. I'm a little worried about the durability of the packaging, since it feels that the whole thing could very easily be crushed or cracked.

Revlon definitely makes up for the lack of packaging quality when it comes to the quality of the product itself. Applying the Lip Butter feels just like putting on my favorite lip balm, and it definitely has the same smooth and soft feel on my lips.

The color itself is beautiful on, but I did have to apply several layers to get a high-impact color payoff. In my opinion, this isn't that much of a problem, because it means that the color is buildable and you can adjust the saturation/intensity to fit your needs. For example, when I'm wearing this color on stage, I'll be able to layer it enough that it reads as a nice, bright red from a distance, and when I wear it for every-day purposes, I can create a softer, prettier look by applying less.

I wore the Lip Butter today, and it stayed put and kept its color intensity for a full six hours with no problems. When I ate, however, the color definitely started to come off. This just means that you'll have to reapply the color after eating or drinking, but this is the same as most other lip colors, so I'm not counting it as a negative aspect of the product.

After the Lip Butter wore off (and a little bit was taken off with makeup remover), my lips definitely felt softer than they did before I had applied the product. The Lip Butter certainly nourishes the lips like it claims to!

As someone who doesn't enjoy lipstick at all, I find this to be a great alternative. It feels much more like a lip balm than a lipstick, while still providing beautiful color. I'm glad I picked this up... both my character and I will be using it frequently!

Have you tried any of the Revlon Lip Butters? Which shades are your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

2012-01-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 9/10

PROS: Fun texture, melts into skin, easy to apply, beautiful color selection, stays on all day, sheer color, buildable, dermatologist and allergy tested

CONS: May be difficult to get used to at first for those used to powder blush, a lot is needed for a more dramatic look

I have to say, Maybelline is on a roll lately with their new products! They're introducing a lot of really great, quality stuff, and the Dream Bouncy Blush is another example of this.

I've never really been a big blush wearer myself, although I knew that it would probably be a good idea to use a bit. If I felt like adding a little natural flush or playing up my cheekbones, I'd just swipe on a tiny bit of powder blush and go. When I first heard about the Dream Bouncy Blush, though, it definitely caught my attention. There's something about the word "bouncy" that suggests a fun, youthful product, and it made me curious (good job, Maybelline marketing department). How could a blush, or any makeup product for that matter, be "bouncy?" Curiosity got the best of me, and on a shopping trip to my local CVS, I decided to pick some up. I'm glad I did... I'm loving it!

My Dream Bouncy Blush in #40, Pink Plum

I chose to get the blush in #40 Pink Plum, shown on the right. With my extremely fair, cool skin tone, I need to be careful to get blushes that are more pink hued, instead of peach. Pink Plum has proven to be an excellent match for my skin. Fair skinned ladies, don't be afraid of how bright it looks in the pan! It's a nice, light pink that goes on very sheer, so it gives me a pretty, natural flush that makes me look more energized and alive.

The first thing that I noticed about this blush is the texture. You apply this blush with your fingertips, so when I went to pick some up for the first time, it caught me a little off guard. I actually started giggling... They weren't kidding when they decided to call this blush "bouncy!" It has sort of a jelly, sponge-like texture, but picks up just like a cream. I spent a few minutes swirling my finger around it, just because it's so fun to feel!

To use this blush, you pick up some of it with your finger (by rubbing or swirling your fingertip on the blush), then use your fingertip to pat and blend the color onto your cheeks. I find that if I apply it to the apples of my cheeks first and blend outwards and upwards towards my temples, it gives the best effect. Because you use your fingertips to apply the blush, you are entirely in control of where the blush goes. It may take a little while to get used to for people who are used to applying powder blush with a brush, but because of the color payoff and the more natural, less "makeup-y" look, I think it's definitely worth it.

The blush melts easily into your skin like a cream, providing a nice wash of color that looks natural instead of just sitting on top of your skin. The way it applies reminds me a lot of the Tarte Cheek Stains, but this is obviously a much more frugal option. I think it looks just as good as my Tarte Cheek Stain in Flawless! It also appears to last just as long as a stain. I wore it all day to meetings, a physically demanding rehearsal, and then a night out, and it kept me looking fresh-faced the entire time.

The Dream Bouncy Blush does go on very sheer, but the color is buildable for a more dramatic look if you so choose. To the left is a swatch on the back of my hand (taken in yellow lighting). The bottom left side of the swatch is what it looks like after two layers are applied, and the upper right side is just one layer.

This blush also comes in a wide range of colors suitable for many different skin tones. There are light pinks for the fair skinned, peaches for those with yellow undertones, deep pinks for the darker cool-toned skin types, and even reds and browns for the deepest skin colors. All of the colors are lovely, and the right shade will give you a beautiful, natural, youthful flush.

The Dream Bouncy blush is available at most drugstores in the U.S. (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.), and also at some select specialty stores such as Ulta. It retails for about $7.99, which in my opinion, is a steal when you look at the price of some comparable products. For more information and to see all of the available shades, go to www.maybelline.com.

Maybelline is quickly becoming my favorite and my go-to when it comes to drugstore cosmetics. After trying out the Dream Bouncy Blush, I can definitely say that it is going to become a daily part of my makeup routine. I will, without a doubt, be purchasing this again!

Have you tried the Dream Bouncy Blush? Which shade looks best on you? Let me know in the comments!

Face of the Day: Winter Classic

2012-01-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hey, all!

I ended up pretty happy this morning with the way my makeup turned out, so I thought I'd share. I did a very simple, wearable look that will enhance your features without making you look too made-up. The shades I used are really nice for winter; The sparkly shadow will give your eyes an icy, snowy look, and the deep pinkish-red lip gloss will make your lips really stand out. Sorry that the photo quality isn't the best, but you should be able to get the general idea!

Eyes

Shadow: Urban Decay's Naked Palette. Sidecar all over the lid, Smog on the outer corners, Naked on the brow bone, and Virgin under the brows and on inner corners.
Brows: ELF's Eyebrow Lifter and Filler in Medium
Mascara: Covergirl LashBlast Fusion
Eyeliner: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner on both upper lash line and waterline.

Lips

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine in 580 Rivington Rose (I LOVE this stuff! It's my new go-to lip gloss.)

Face

Tarte Cheek Stain in Flawless on the apples of the cheeks

Hair

Showered at night, threw my hair up in a tight bun, went to bed, and woke up with some nice waves. :)

That's all there is to it! Let me know if you guys try this makeup combination. I'd love to see how it works on some different complexions!

A Quick Note to Fellow Bloggers

2012-01-18T16:45:00.002-05:00

Hey, Blogger Friends!

I just wanted to let you guys know about a quick opportunity, since I just found out about it myself. I'm sure many of you have heard of Influenster, but I wanted to let you guys know about another campaign site called BzzAgent. This is a website where you can sign up to participate in campaigns and earn rewards, all for free!

A current campaign that I'm involved in is for Smarterer, an online quiz website that tests your knowledge about a wide range of subjects, including blogging platforms. I just took the Blogger quiz, and actually learned a few things that I didn't know about Blogger before! It's worth your time to check out, and if you get a good score, you also get bragging rights.

I know that this is off-topic from my usual blog posts, but I thought I'd spread the word since I know every blogger is always looking for more things to write about! Anyway, be sure to check out BzzAgent, and click on the cute little owl below to go to Smarterer and start trying it out for yourself!

Enjoy, and let me know about the campaigns that you guys get involved in!
-Anna

Review: Bath and Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream

2012-01-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

PROS: Beautiful scents, wide selection of fragrances, nourishes skin, leaves skin incredibly smooth, scent lasts for a long time, eliminates dry skin problems, great consistency (not runny, not too thick), adorable packaging, comparatively inexpensive

CONS: Slight greasy feeling if too much is used (because this is a user error, it does not count against the overall rating)

I'm going to start this post off with something that might shock you: My skin is not perfect.

I know, really.

Especially during the winter months, I tend to suffer from extremely dry, itchy skin, particularly on my legs and arms. I also have a mild form of eczema on my hands, which, as anyone who has ever had eczema problems knows, can be extremely irritating. I've tried almost every kind of intensive moisture lotion out there, but none of them seemed to have any effect against the patches of red, dry, flaky skin that plagued me and made me uncomfortable all the time.

My mother, however, always has incredibly smooth, soft skin. I have never once heard her complain of any kind of dry skin problems, which of course, inspired a bit of jealousy and frustration. I kept asking her what products she was using that made her skin so soft and problem-free, and she kept giving me the same answer: "It's just my Bath and Body Works lotion."

Well, that didn't help me at all. I'd tried Bath and Body Works' lotions before, and they didn't do anything for me. Sure, they smelled great, but they left me feeling like I had a layer of grease all over my body, and my skin was just as dry and itchy the next day. I finally asked her to show me what she was using, and what she handed to me wasn't quite what I was expecting. Instead of the chunky, hourglass-shaped bottle I associated with Bath and Body Works, she handed me a long tube with the cap down at the bottom. She let me use it, and immediately, I realized that this wasn't the same as what I'd been using from Bath and Body Works.

Right away, my skin was noticeably softer and smoother. The product absorbed quickly into my skin without too much fussing and rubbing it in. I put it on right after I showered (which was, and usually is at night), went to bed, and when I woke up, my skin felt so hydrated and smooth. I also wasn't itching for the first time in quite a while.

One of the most surprising benefits of using this body cream for me is the effect it has had on my eczema. Since I've started using this body cream, I have noticed a significant decrease in the eczema breakouts on my hands. I have tried all kinds of different medicated creams and over-the-counter lotions, but none of them have hydrated my hands as much as this does. I still have a few small spots, but it is noticeably better.

The scent was obviously fantastic (anyone who has ever shopped at Bath and Body Works knows the joy of just walking into the store and inhaling), and I still smelled good when I woke up after using it the previous night. It definitely started to make sense to me why my mom always gets complimented on how good she smells.

These creams come in all of Bath and Body Works' signature scents, which means that you're almost guaranteed to find one that smells wonderful to you and that you will enjoy having on. If you aren't too familiar with Bath and Body Works, here are three different scents that I personally love and would highly recommend:

Forever Sunshine (pictured above): A nice, fresh mix of citrus, peony flower, pralines, and sandalwood. It smells bright and fun, sweet, and summery.

Be Enchanted (left): A slightly more wintery scent, with sugared pomegranate and frosty florals. It reminds me of a fairytale setting, and is a little mysterious but still very sweet.

Rio Rumberry (right): A fun, tropical scent made up of exotic berries and vanilla. It makes me think of a tropical vacation, and has a great, warm, summery smell.

Right now I have all of these, and I alternate between them depending on my mood. Bath and Body Works carries a ton of fragrances that cater to both younger and more mature consumers, so if you don't want to smell like a teen girl, there are scents that are more sophisticated, and if you don't want to smell like an old lady, there are scents that are more playful and fun. There are also plenty of "in between" scents that work well for everyone.

A lot of people worry about the fact that these are scented, and therefore whether or not they will irritate their skin. As a person with sensitive skin who breaks out in a horrible rash if I use anything but clinical sensitive skin deodorant, these don't bother my skin at all.

This is a wonderful product that isn't talked about very much, because Bath and Body Works sometimes gets the reputation of being more of a novelty store. Honestly, the Body Creams did wonders for my skin, and I'd recommend them to absolutely anyone who is looking to improve their dry skin and smell phenomenal while doing so.

The Triple Moisture Body Creams retail at Bath and Body works for about $12 each, although there is almost always some kind of "Buy 2, get 1 free" deal going on. You can get them at any Bath and Body Works store, or online at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

How has your skin improved since you've been using the Triple Moisture Body Cream? Which scents are your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Look: Golden Gradient with the Naked Palette

2012-01-15T17:07:00.000-05:00

I'm still having a total blast playing around with my Naked Palette, and today I'm back with a look that I created the other day. This is a pretty, subtle look which creates an ombre effect that will make your eyes look bigger and brighter. It looks natural so it's perfect for everyday wear, and it's extremely easy and quick to do!

Golden Gradient

Prime the eyelid with an eyeshadow primer, liquid foundation, or concealer.
With a flat/c-shaped eyeshadow brush, apply Smog to the outer half of the lid.
With the same brush, apply Half-Baked to the inner half of the lid.
With the same brush, apply Darkhorse lightly to the outer corner of the lid.
With the same brush, apply Virgin to the inner corner of the lid.
With a domed/fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply Naked to the brow bone.
With the same brush in step 6, apply Virgin just under the eyebrow.
Starting about 2/3 of the way in on your eyelid, thinly line your upper lash line with a black liner, thickening the line just slightly at the outer corner of the lid (I used Maybelline Eye Studio® Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner).
With the same liner (or a pencil, if you prefer), line your waterline.
Apply mascara (I used Covergirl's Lashblast Fusion), and you're finished!

That's all there is to it! Since this is such a natural look, you can pair this eye with a slightly more colorful lip. I've found that it looks beautiful with my NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine in Rivington Rose, which is a medium pink shade.

Feel free to share how this look works for you in the comments!

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio® Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner

2012-01-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 9.5/10

PROS: Glides on smoothly, incredible pigmentation, extremely easy to apply, waterproof, doesn't smudge, very nice packaging, can be used on waterline, lasts all day.

CONS: The included brush isn't great for eyeliner; I tossed it.

After squeezing every last drop out of my Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner Pen recently, I decided that it was about time to move on to a new liner. I wasn't sure that I wanted to get the Revlon pen again--It did its job just fine, but it usually required a few coats for a deep color and my shaky hands made application a little difficult. I started asking around about different liquid liners to try, and even purchased a different brand (which was a TOTAL flop, review to come), but I wasn't seeing or hearing of anything that looked like it would work well for me. I was lamenting about my search for the perfect liquid liner to my fellow cast member on the way home from rehearsal one night, and after detailing how liquid liner tends to frustrate me so much, she offered a simple piece of advice: "You should try a gel liner."

I had only heard about gel liners before, and had never actually tried one. They looked intimidating to me--when I was so used to pens, crayons, and brushes, how the heck was I supposed to know what to do with a little pot of liner? However, at this point, I was running out of time to decide, so I chose to go for it. I did a quick Google search for "drugstore gel eyeliners," found one from Maybelline, and went out and bought it.

Best. Decision. Ever.

A quick note about gel liners for those of you who are new to them like I was: They're different than what you're used to, but that's actually a great thing. The liner comes packaged in a tiny little pot, and you use a brush to apply it. You just dip the tip of your brush into the pot, wipe any excess off on the sides, and use the brush to apply the liner. The brush that is included with this product is useable, but definitely not the best option. I would recommend the Small Angled Brush from the ELF Studio Collection, or something very similar to it. Also, don't expect to get a ton of product. The pots that these come in are tiny, but since you use just a teeny bit of product on each application, it should last you a long time.

Maybelline has really stepped up their product quality recently, and the Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner is no exception. The liner is creamy and amazingly smooth, and SO easy to apply. I was worried about how I would handle a brush since my hand is so shaky with a liquid pen, but I actually found it much easier to use. Using the brush makes it so you can hold it close to the bristles, reducing shake and allowing for a clean application.

My absolute favorite thing about this product is the pigmentation. One sweep across the lash line delivers all the color I need, whereas I used to have to go over my liner several times before it was intense enough for my taste. Be warned, though; The black is VERY black. If you, unlike me, don't like a dramatic black look, I'd recommend going for this same eyeliner in one of their other, more subtle shades, like brown.

The packaging on this product is the best I've ever seen on a Maybelline product. I wasn't happy at all with the packaging on the Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow, but the packaging for the gel liner is enough to make up for it in my book. The liner comes in a small glass pot with a sturdy plastic lid, which makes me feel confident that I won't have to run out and get a replacement due to a packaging malfunction. It looks pretty classy, too; It fits right in looks-wise with some of my high-end makeup.

I've been wearing this liner every day for about a week now, and I'm extremely impressed with its lasting power. The liner is waterproof (confirmed after a weepy spell), and won't smudge unless you touch it (even then, it's hard to smudge). It's even perfect for use on the waterline. This is the only liner I have ever used that stayed on my waterline ALL DAY. I wake up, put it on, go to classes, take a nap, go to rehearsal, come home late at night, and after all that, it is still exactly where I put it when I did my makeup in the morning.

Needless to say, I've been converted. I don't know if I'll ever go back to liquid liner now that I've found gel! I wouldn't worry about going out and buying some of the other (very) expensive gel liners out there. I can't think of anything that this liner doesn't do that those could! The only reason this product didn't get a 10/10 is because of the silly little brush that could be redesigned to be much more efficient. The liner itself is definitely a 10!

Maybelline Eye Studio® Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner is available at most drugstores in the U.S. (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.), and retails for about $7. The liner comes in Blackest Black, Brown, Eggplant (medium purple), and Charcoal (medium gray). For more information, visit www.maybelline.com.

Bravo, Maybelline! I will be buying the Eye Studio® Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner from here on out.

Look: Subtle, Pretty "Green With Envy" Eye

2012-01-08T00:02:00.004-05:00

The other day, I did a review on the Maybelline Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow, and as promised, I'm back with a look I created with one of the shadow quads! This look uses the "Green With Envy" quad, and is a subtle and pretty look. This is a super quick and easy look, great for mornings when you don't feel like putting much effort in or want something you can do in under five minutes. All of the colors were used dry here; if the colors aren't intense enough for your tastes, just wet your brush a bit and you'll get all the pigmentation you need!

Subtle, Pretty "Green With Envy" Eye

Prime the eyelid with an eyeshadow primer, liquid foundation, or concealer.
**I skipped this step in the above photos, but if you'd like a slightly more dramatic look, take the darkest shade in the quad and apply it along the upper lash line, slightly thicker than you would apply eyeliner.**
With a flat/c-shaped eyeshadow brush, take the bright green (second from the right) color and pat it on to the outer half of the lid, bringing the color just a tiny bit past time middle of the lid.
With the same type of brush used in step three, take the darker golden (second from the left) color and pat it onto the inner half of the lid. In the middle of the lid, where the two colors meet, blend the gold over/into the green in an outward sweeping motion.
Using a small precision brush, take the bright green color and apply it on the outer half of the lower lash line.
Using the same brush in step 5, take the deeper golden color and apply it to the inner half of the lower lash line, blending in the middle where it meets the green.
Using a flat/c-shaped OR domed/fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest color in the quad to the brow bone and the inner corners of the eyes.
Line the upper lash line with a liquid liner (I used the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner Pen in Black), and the waterline with a pencil/crayon liner (I used the Revlon Colorstay Crayon in Black).
Apply mascara (I used Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion), and you're done!

I hope you guys like this look as much as I do! Leave a comment to let me know how it works for you!

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow

2012-01-05T15:31:00.002-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 9/10

PROS: Fantastic pigmentation, great color selection, well-coordinated colors, silky-soft shadows, great shimmer, easy to blend

CONS: Poor packaging quality

Having green eyes means that there are a few certain color palettes that can really make your eyes pop, with shades of purple being one of the best selections. I always try to keep some purple shadow in my makeup case for days when I want to really play up my eye color. When I ran out of my last purple eyeshadow from L'oreal (which I really wasn't crazy about), I headed over to the drugstore to pick up some more. I usually do well with Maybelline products, so I looked over their selection, and picked up their Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow in Virtually Violet (formerly known as "Purple Icon") on a whim. When I tried it the next day, I was blown away. I immediately went out and bought two more colors that same evening.

I had never used a drugstore-brand product that I was actually THRILLED about until I found this eyeshadow. When I dipped my brush into the pan for the first time, I was shocked at how much shadow was immediately picked up--I didn't have to scrape and struggle to get it onto my brush! When I swept the color onto my lids, I was even more excited. The colors are so pigmented that they appear on my lids EXACTLY the same as they look in the pans. The colors smooth on like butter. The shadow is so soft, and glides effortlessly over the eyelid. Blending them is a breeze--you can use the shadows to create a beautiful ombre effect on your lids. I would go so far as to compare these shadows to the shadows from my Urban Decay Naked Palette; Yeah, they're that good.

The Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow comes in a total of 12 different color combinations, each coordinated for a beautiful look with a variety of shades. I personally own Virtually Violet, Green With Envy (which I happen to be wearing right now), and Mad for Mauve, and I definitely want to get more. The shadows come in quads, and can easily be blended together or worn separately for a wide variety of looks.

All of the shadows in this collection are shimmery, so if you prefer matte shades, you probably want to look for something else. The shimmer is certainly not overwhelming, but is definitely noticeable, and draws attention to your eyes.

Here are some swatches from the sets I own. Note that all of these were applied dry; when wet, the colors become even more intense!

Virtually Violet

Green With Envy

Mad for Mauve

The lightest shade in this set happens to be extremely close to my skin color. It shows up much better than this on darker skin!

The bottom line is that these shadows are fantastic. Before I got the Naked Palette for Christmas, these were the shadows I wore every day, and now I alternate between the two. The major difference in quality between these shadows and the Naked Palette is found in the packaging. The Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow packaging is made of really cheap plastic. I have to handle it pretty gingerly because I feel it might crack or break apart at any second. Really, though, this is a minor detail for such an awesome product. I adore these shadows, and I HIGHLY recommend them for anyone who wants high-end quality on a drugstore budget.

These shadow sets retail for between $7 and $10, and you can find them at virtually any drugstore in the U.S. that sells makeup. Visit Maybelline's website for more information or to buy!

I will definitely be posting looks/tutorials for the shadows I own in the near future, so stay tuned! For any of you that own other colors of the Eye Studio® Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow, feel free to share your experiences or photos in the comments!

Video Review: NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

2012-01-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

I didn't get this lip gloss in my VoxBox, but Santa put it in my stocking! :) What do you think about NYC Liquid Lipshine?

Review: Montagne Jeunesse Strawberry Souffle Face Mask

2011-12-30T18:35:00.001-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

PROS: Creamy consistency, goes on smooth, feels great on skin, smells wonderful, easy to use, stress-relieving, vegetarian friendly (PETA approved)

CONS: None that I can think of!

I found out a while ago that I would be receiving this product for free to test out in my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster, and I almost jumped out of my seat. Years ago, when I was probably only about twelve years old, I had used a Cucumber Peel-Off Mask that I absolutely adored. It had made my skin so smooth and radiant, and I've wanted for a long time to get another one, but I couldn't remember the name of the company that made it to save my life. When this product was announced as part of the Holiday VoxBox, I recognized the packaging immediately. Montagne Jeunesse! That was the company that I had been searching for. Needless to say, I was thrilled that I would be getting another product from a company that I had adored such a long time ago. I was not disappointed!

I have literally nothing negative to say about my experience with this product, so let's dive right into the positives.

The mask is easily used in four simple steps, which are clearly demonstrated on the back of the packaging. First, you need to cleanse your face. I just used my usual Olay Daily Facial Cloth (that I use as a makeup remover and to clean my face nightly) to quickly scrub my skin, rinsed, and patted my face dry with a towel, leaving it just a bit damp. Next, you smooth the mask onto your face, making sure to cover all of your skin (don't apply too close to your eyes, and don't put it on your lips). Relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with a washcloth and warm water.

The first thing I noticed about this mask is that it smells heavenly. I would describe the scent like a pile of strawberries smothered in whipped cream. If you like strawberries and whipped cream like I do, this is obviously a plus. I had a really hard time not tasting this mask, to be honest. I would recommend resisting the temptation (if I can do it, you can too!).

The consistency of the mask is extremely creamy. As you can see from the picture on the right, it looks and feels a bit like a thick lotion or a body butter. It has a tiny bit of grit to it that you can only feel as you apply it to your face, which I assume is for an exfoliating purpose. It spreads very easily, and the trial size that I was sent included more than enough product to cover my entire face.

The picture to the left shows what the mask looks like when it's on the skin. That particular patch was applied a bit thick, and it isn't necessary to put that much all over your face. You'll notice that the mask starts to stiffen a bit after it's on for about 5 minutes. This is not uncomfortable at all, and you just need to keep your face still to avoid having the mask crack (if this happens, it's no big deal, it'll still work). You get to just relax and let the mask do it's job for the next 15-20 minutes. Having the mask on my face while I waited for my time to be up was actually really enjoyable. The scent was still lingering, but it wasn't overpowering; it was just a light fragrance that kept me happy. Having this on my face made me feel like I was at the spa... It really is a very relaxing and stress-relieving experience.

Rinsing off the mask was easy, although a little part of me missed the ease of Montagne Jeunesse's peel-off masques. For this one, I just had to use a warm, wet washcloth to wipe the product off. After the mask was off, I noticed that my skin was noticeably softer, and looked much fresher and cleaner that it had before I used the mask.

Now that I've rediscovered Montagne Jeunesse, I definitely plan on buying more of their masks. They make all sorts of different masks in plenty of different scents; some of their masks are even self-heating for a warming sensation! They also make different masks for different skin types, so be sure to read up on the masks on their website to find the one that's best for you. The Cucumber Peel-Off Mask that I used years ago and the Strawberry Souffle Mask are both fantastic products, and I can't wait to try more from the Montagne Jeunesse line.

In the U.S., Montagne Jeunesse masks can be purchased at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen's, Claires, Walmart, Kroger, and CVS Pharmacies. You can also purchase directly from their site at www.montagnejeunesse.com.

With such great prices, I see absolutely no reason not to pick up a few Montagne Jeunesse products and enjoy an at-home spa experience for yourself!

Look: Golden Smoky Eye with the Naked Palette

2011-12-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

Since I got it a few days ago, I have been totally unable to keep my hands off of my Naked Palette. Playing with the colors is a blast, and I love being able to create so many different neutral-toned looks. I was able to create a nice-looking, simple smoky eye this morning, and I thought I would share! It looks fairly similar to the look created in my Naked Palette review, but if you look closely, you can see that the this one is more shimmery and gold-toned. Here's the look and how I did it:

Golden Smoky Eye

Prime the eyelid with an eyeshadow primer, liquid foundation, or concealer.
With a flat/c-shaped eyeshadow brush, pat Half-Baked all over the lid.
With a domed/fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply Smog to the crease and lower brow bone, blending upwards.
With the same brush, apply Darkhorse to the crease, then to the outer corner of the eye in a v-shape.
With the brush used in Step 2, lightly blend Half-Baked over the newly created dark crease.
Apply Sin just under the eyebrow and in the inner corner of the lid.
Use a black liner to line the upper lash line and the waterline. With a small precision or eyeliner brush, use Darkhorse to go over the liner in small, upward-angled strokes.
Line the lower lash line with a dark brown eyeliner. Use the same brush from Step 7 to smoke up the liner by running Darkhorse over it.
Apply a coat or two of mascara, and you're done!

Be sure to let me know what you think of this look, and what looks you might like to see from me in the future! Try it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes in the comments!

Review/Look: Urban Decay Naked Palette!

2011-12-27T22:05:00.001-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 9.5/10

PROS: Beautiful colors, sophisticated packaging, comes with UD Primer Potion and Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush, creates a multitude of looks, includes mattes, shimmers, and glitters, shadows are silky smooth, colors work for almost everyone.

CONS: Shadows appear best when used with a primer; without a primer, shadows aren't very strong.

Like many other makeup addicts, the Urban Decay Naked Palette is something I've been lusting after for quite a while now. My college student budget doesn't really allow for $50 makeup splurges, though, so I had to do without... Until, that is, this palette showed up on Christmas. I had decided to add the original Naked Palette to my wish list this year, even though the Naked 2 had just been released. The colors in the original palette looked better to me, and it seemed to include a bit more variety. I think I made a good choice, although I would still love to get my hands on a Naked 2!

The first thing I noticed upon unwrapping my lovely gift was the packaging. Urban Decay really knows how to make a product look and feel deluxe! The palette came packed in a purple velvet tray, with the included primer potion next to it. The palette case itself is also a soft velvet, with gold lettering. As someone who is used to drugstore cosmetics (and therefore, drugstore packaging), it was a thrill to hold a makeup item in my hands that was clearly in a high-quality package. The lid on the palette is magnetic, so it will snap closed, protecting the shadows while they're not in use.

The shadows themselves are gorgeous. The palette ranges from a very light--almost white--color called Virgin, to the darkest grey and black shades, Gunmetal and Creep respectively. The palette includes two matte shades, Naked and Buck, while the rest are more shimmery. The range of shades allows for a multitude of looks, all with a beautiful neutral theme. I wanted to swatch the colors for this post, but due to my extremely pale winter skin, about half of the shadows didn't even show up on my arm (although they show up beautifully on my lids!). To see some great swatches, check out this blog.

The shadows can be picked up very easily with a brush; a light sweep over the pan will pick up enough color to pat over the majority of the lid. The colors are striking, especially when used with the included primer potion. The UD Primer Potion is rather expensive, though, and there are other alternatives to this. Foundation or concealer applied to the eyelid will produce a similar effect, and ELF makes an eyeshadow primer for only about $3 (see here). Without a primer, the colors are much more sheer and don't show up quite as well. With a primer to cling to, the shades really pop and provide incredible color, and they last all day with no problems.

The thing I love the most about these shadows is that they actually feel nice to wear. They are silky and soft, and putting them on is quite the pleasant experience.

I'm no makeup artist, but I was pretty proud of the look I was able to accomplish the first time I used the Naked palette. The pictures below were taken in the evening, after I wore the look for an entire day, which shows off the shadows' staying power. I went for a lighter, smoky bronze look, and here are the results:

(My apologies for the shadow from my finger on the first photo!)

Here's how I created this look:

Prime the lid with UD Primer potion (or equivalent, see above).
With a flat/c-shaped eyeshadow brush, pat Toasted all over the lid.
With a domed/fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply Buck to the crease, and blend up onto the lower brow bone.
With the same brush, take Hustle and apply it directly into the crease and the outer corner of the lid.
With a smaller precision brush, apply Creep to the outer corner of the eyelid in a V-shape. Blend it in with the brush used to apply Buck.
Apply Virgin just under the brow and to the inner corner of the eye.
Line the upper lash line with a black liner. For a smokier look, go over the liner with Hustle, or Creep for a darker look, blending very slightly upwards.
Apply a black or black/brown liner to the lower lash line and waterline. Smoke it up a bit by applying Hustle to over the liner under the lower lashes.
If the look turned out dark for your tastes, you can add a bit of a highlight by dabbing on Sin to the middle of the lid.
Mascara!

It may seem like a lot of steps, but it's really very simple, and creates a nice look for everyday wear that can easily transition into the evening.

Overall, if you're a person who likes wearing neutral shades, I'd say this palette is a must-have. You can create looks with it for all situations, and the looks will last all day. This is a fantastic palette that is well worth the splurge!

Review: X-Out Wash-In Treatment

2011-12-25T14:23:00.001-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 7.5/10

PROS: Deep Cleans, Exfoliates, Leaves Skin Super-Smooth, Fights Acne, 3 Different Uses

CONS: A Bit Rough, Cooling Effect May Be Too Strong

This is another product that I received for free to test out through Influenster's VoxBox program. I was really excited to try it out as soon as I saw it in the package; I'd been hearing quite a bit about it, and wanted to see what all the hype was about.

X-Out is a new acne treatment from the makers of Proactiv, and is marketed mainly to teens (you can tell this right away because of the packaging, as well as some of the language used on their website). X-Out claims to be a more simple solution to traditional acne treatments, requiring just two minutes, twice a day so that it fits better into your busy schedule. X-Out also comes with a QR code right on the bottle that you can scan with your smartphone, which will take you to X-Out's Daily Distraction, a two-minute media clip for you to watch while using X-Out to ensure proper washing time.

The coolest thing, in my opinion, about this product is that it can be used a total of three different ways--as a wash, a mask, and a spot treatment. To use it as a wash, you just need to apply to damp skin and wash it in for two minutes, twice a day. To use it as a mask, which will provide a deeper clean, you can apply the product all over to damp skin, leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water. For use as a spot treatment, just apply to trouble areas, and head to bed, letting the product do its job overnight. I think this is a really great aspect of the product, because it allows for different degrees of treatment, and also for different time spans to fit around your schedule.

I consider myself extremely lucky, as I have never had problem skin. Throughout my teens and even now, I haven't struggled with acne. I still wanted to try X-Out, though, and I'm very glad I did! You don't have to have a problem with acne to enjoy using this product. After my initial use (as a wash) I immediately noticed that my skin was softer than it had been in a very long time. My skin tone was also more even the next morning, which was awesome. X-Out also has what the makers like to call an "Icy Slap," which hit me about halfway through the two minutes of washing. It's a fairly powerful cooling effect that makes your skin feel clean and fresh. I would compare it a bit to using mentholated lip balm, but having that effect spread over the entire face.

The "Icy Slap" was nice while washing, but what I didn't enjoy so much was that it lasted long after I had rinsed the product off of my face. I suppose that means that the product continued to work even after I had rinsed it off, but it did start to get a bit irritating, especially because of how cold it is already this time of year! In the summer, this product's cooling effect will be a definite plus.

Another thing to be mindful of is how powerful the exfoliating beads in this wash are. I wasn't expecting it, so I started off the wash by rubbing the product in pretty hard. That was a mistake--it felt like I was washing my face with sandpaper! If your skin is extremely sensitive, be sure to take care to wash lightly, since the exfoliating beads will do their job. A lighter hand will ensure soft, smooth skin without the irritation.

At this point, I'm unable to attest to the acne-fighting power of X-Out, because my face is acne-free. If I get a zit anytime soon, though, I'll be sure to update this post with another section about how X-Out handles my breakouts. I've heard from others that X-Out is wonderful when it comes to fighting acne, especially when used as a spot treatment.

Overall, I think this is a great product for people with or without acne! I'd recommend X-Out to anyone who is looking to get smoother, more even skin instantly.

If you'd like more information about X-Out or are interested in buying, visit www.xout.com.

Video Review: imPRESS Press-on Manicure

2011-12-23T21:39:00.002-05:00

My very first video review! I love these nails. Have you ever tried them? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

First Review: ELF Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection

2011-12-23T13:19:00.000-05:00

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

PROS: Soft, Durable, Easy to Hold, Well-Designed, Anti-Bacterial, Vegan-Friendly

CONS: Set does not include several of ELF's best brushes

I recently found myself in dire need of a new set of makeup brushes. It was about time for my poor old set to retire--my Mary Kay brushes that I got at the age of 13, when I first started wearing makeup, had started to fray, shed, and become essentially unusable. Being on the budget of a college student, I was worried about finding a set of quality brushes at an affordable price. I scoured the internet looking for answers, and I kept coming across the ELF Studio brushes among the recommendations. I decided to take a look, and to my absolute delight, I found that a complete set of 11 brushes only cost $30! I decided that I had to jump on the deal, and purchased the set.

Overall, these brushes are a fantastic quality for the price. The first thing I noticed is that they come in their own little convenient carrying case. I prefer to keep them in the case they came with for the sake of convenience, but they could all easily fit into my everyday makeup case, too. They are extremely soft, and the handles are made of durable wood. So far, I have had absolutely no problems with shedding or fraying, which are the things that were driving me insane with my old Mary Kay brushes. They pick up and hold makeup well, and smoothly transfer it to the face. I have found them to be extremely easy to handle, as they are not too long, and fit very well in my hand.

I have been using the brushes for a few months now, and the only negative I ever noticed about the set as a whole was that the brushes had a little bit of a funky smell when they first arrived. This went away within the first few weeks, and wasn't really that much of a problem anyway.

Now, let's take a look at the individual brushes included in the set.

Eyeshadow "C" Brush
This is the brush that I find myself reaching for the most often in the collection. The brush is designed wonderfully, and is perfect for applying eyeshadow all over the lid and brow bone. I have had very little problems with fallout--this brush transfers the pigments nicely and is easy to use. Definitely my favorite of the set.

Contour Brush

This is another brush that is an incredible steal. The bristles extend down into the barrel attached to the ferrule, allowing for extremely easy movement. I prefer to use this brush to apply eyeshadow to my crease and corners of my eyes.

Small Smudge Brush

I don't use this brush as much as some of the other brushes in the set, but it still is a quality brush and does what it's intended to do. This brush is great for smudging eyeliner for a smoky look, or blending eyeliner and eyeshadow together.

Small Precision Brush

I use this brush significantly more than the Small Smudge Brush. I think that the shape is more versatile and easier to work with, and therefore can do the job of the smudge brush as well as work wonderfully in other areas. I like to use this brush for applying liner right under my lower lash line for a highly defined look. This brush can also be used for precisely applying lip color.

Small Angled Brush

This one is pretty easy. Bristles are packed tight and don't fray, which makes it perfect for eyeliner application. A definite no-brainer.

Powder Brush

I use this brush every day without fail. The flat end of the brush makes it perfect for applying blush or finishing powder, or even for contouring. The bristles pick up and lock powder in place until application, and any product used with this brush goes on smoothly. The bristles are so soft, and it actually feels good to use this brush.

Blush Brush

This brush is good for blush application, especially if you are going for a dramatic look around the temple area. However, for application on the apples of the cheeks, there are definitely better brushes out there. This one is a little on the small side, and tapered on one side as well. I wish ELF had made this brush a bit larger and fluffier, although it's still a good brush.

Concealer Brush

This brush is great for spot-treatment of blemishes. I also use it to conceal under-eye circles. The size of this brush makes it extremely versatile and easy to use.

Complexion Brush

A big, fluffy brush that is perfect for all-over powder application. This brush is super-soft and is great for all types of loose and pressed powders. It can also be used for blush application, if you want a less precise look than the included brush gives. I personally like to use it for bronzer.

Angled Foundation Brush

This brush is wonderful! It's flat on the sides like a foundation brush should be, and the angle at the top lets you get closer to the angles and curves of your face for fuller coverage. This can be used for liquid, cream, or even powder foundation, and gives a flawless finish.

Fan Brush

Honestly, I had no idea how to use a fan brush in relation to makeup until I got this set of brushes. The fan brush can be used to dust away fallout from eyeshadow, to blend, or to create soft touches of color on the face. I don't use this very often because I don't get much fallout with the combination of my makeup and these brushes, but when I do use it, it gets the job done.

Overall, these brushes are a no-brainer for someone looking for brushes on a budget. Of course they wont be quite as nice as higher end brushes such as those found at Sephora or the coveted MAC brushes, but they will certainly do their job and do it well. My only complaint is that the set does not include two of ELF's better brushes, the Stipple Brush and the Kabuki Brush. However, when all of the brushes are only $3 apiece, the other brushes can be bought separately without added guilt.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you are looking for a set of brushes for a beginner/intermediate user, this is the perfect set at a fantastic price.

All of the brushes mentioned in this post can be found at www.eyeslipsface.com, and all of the images used in this post come from their site as well. Please feel free to share your experience with the ELF Studio brushes in the comments, and be sure to ask any questions you may have!

Introductions

2011-12-22T21:15:00.001-05:00

Hey there, and welcome to Pretty Much Reviews! I'm Anna, and this is a brand-new blog designed to bring you reviews on great beauty products. I'll be reviewing products from all different aspects of beauty, including makeup, hair products, skincare, and more! I'll bring you reviews about products that I already own and love, new products that I get my hands on, or products that are suggested to me for review. Really, anything goes!

A little bit about myself--I'm a 20 year old college student, who happens to have a passion for beauty products. I'm a theatre major, and acting is my main focus. I also love directing and writing, and am always looking for new creative outlets! I like to think I also have a bit of talent in photography, and I take photos whenever and wherever I can.

As far as beauty products go, I've always loved testing out new products and recommending my favorites to friends and family, so I figured, why not branch out and share with more people? I figured I'd start with a blog, and see what I can do with it. I also plan on making some video reviews in the future!

I'm certainly not the first beauty blogger out there, and I definitely won't be the last, but I like to think that I have some good, honest opinions that you might enjoy hearing. So, if you have a passion for beauty like I do, I encourage you to follow along with me! Please feel free to leave comments if there are specific products that you would like to see me review, or if you would just like to say hello! I'd love to hear from you, and can't wait to get this blog started!