25% Off at Prescriptives

Remember Prescriptives?

Yeah I know..it's been a while since I've used their products (probably since I no longer see them at department stores), but they're stuff is awesome!

Right now they've got a Friends and Family Event here for 25% off all Prescriptive products now until May 2, 2012. May I recommend just about everything on their All Time Faves page.

Super Line Preventor Xtreme and Camouflage Cream are a must-have!!

**Camouflage Cream does not crease!! Perfect for under-eye concealing ;)

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Mascara Maven

CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT NATURAL FINISH PRESSED POWDER

CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT NATURAL FINISH PRESSED POWDER

I have to say I am one of the pickiest women out there when it comes to powders and foundations. I mean every women ought to be picky with foundation in regards to color, coverage, look, and price. 

Recently I was on the hunt for a powder that gave me medium coverage, absorbed oil, and left me looking fresh and natural. Well, I must say it is super hard to find a powder like that. 

Chanel carries two compact powders in the U.S.- 

1) CHANEL DOUBLE PERFECTION COMPACT NATURAL MATTE POWDER MAKEUP SPF 10

and 2)CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT NATURAL FINISH PRESSED POWDER 

I have tried both, but I think CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT NATURAL FINISH PRESSED POWDER has a way better color match for my skin tone and it is more mattifying than the double perfection. The double perfection is really nice and gives great coverage. It is like their full coverage liquid, but in powder form. The con about double perfection in my opinion is the color options..they are so warm! Very pinkish undertones are no bueno for me!

CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT NATURAL FINISH PRESSED POWDER  is everything I want in a powder except (yes I know..too bad there is an exception) the coverage could be better. 

**I recently started using a Lancome powder..I'll blog about it soon!

XOXO,

Mascara Maven

Dry Shampoo Reviews

If you don't know about dry shampoo by now then you might just be living in a hole...just kidding! But seriously..dry shampoo is a savior for so many! It gives you that extra day to keep your blow dry or fabulous hair style looking fresh. Dry shampoo absorbs the excess oils in your hair and adds a nice clean scent. It's like washing your hair without the water.

I've tried several different brands and types from aerosol cans to powders. Below you'll see my reviews on the products I've tried.

BIG SEXY HAIR VOLUMIZING DRY SHAMPOO

What it does: absorbs dirt, excess oil and product build-up. Creates volume, provides UV protection and helps maintain color by lengthening time between washes.

What do I think?: I'm a fan. I have fine hair, so not only does it absorb the excess oil that would make me want to wash my hair right away, but it gives me volume. Volume is a big deal for me and others who have fine hair. Sometimes it can feel a bit stiff however, you just got to make sure you don't spray too much.

OSCAR BLANDI DRY SHAMPOO

What it does: Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo is the ultimate time saver. It refreshes, revives, and rejuvenates the hair in a matter of minutes—no water or blow dryer required. Voted Best Dry Shampoo and Best Quick Fix by Allure magazine, it effectively soaks up oil, removes product build-up, and boosts volume.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Dyes

- Petro-Chemicals

- Phthalates

- GMO

- Triclosan

What do I think?: For one, it really does have the best scent out of all the dry shampoos I've tried. It doesn't feel very stiff, but it is quite powdery. Now being that it is a white powder and I have dark hair, it is very hard to blend into my hair. With that said, it gives my hair a grayish look. If only it came in a dark color, then it may be my go to dry shampoo.

RENE FURTERER NATURIA DRY SHAMPOO

What it does: Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo cleanses hair in minutes leaving it light, luminous, and perfectly healthy, without using water. This unique formula instantly absorbs impurities and oil on the hair and scalp with a patented formula containing kaolin clay, silica, rice, and cornstarch powders for antistatic and antisebum action as well as the high absorption power of essential oils of peppermint, caraway, and basil to soften hair.

What do I think?: This dry shampoo pretty much has a little of everything. It smells quite nice, absorbs the excess oils, and adds a bit of volume. I do like it, however I feel it is priced too high for what it is. It is an aerosol spray so it does run out quite quickly. The retail price is $24.00, but if you buy it off Amazon you can find it for less.

TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

What it does: The secret is you don't have to shampoo everyday. Get another day out of your hair with the Tigi Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo, a quick fix for lank and limp locks. This multipurpose formulation soaks up excess oils and imparts a refreshing citrusy scent to make hair smell fresh. Spray through the hair for some serious absorbent action, wait for a few minutes for the powder shampoo to do its thing, and then brush it all out. For enhanced volume and texture at any time of your hair washing cycle, apply Dirty Secret to the roots and then work lightly into the hair. The high performance formulation resists flaking, conditions hair, and refreshes your style wonderfully. Fragrance: Pomelo

What do I think?: It sounded great, and maybe it was...for some. When I purchased this a couple years back from Planet Beauty it was quite pricey (for a aerosol hair product that is). I want to say I spent around $18-20. Regardless, I wouldn't mind the price if the product was well worth it and for me it just wasn't. It ran out so quickly!! I felt like it didn't even last me 3 weeks, and I didn't even use much.

TRESemme Dry Shampoo

What it does: Fresh Start For Oily/Straight to Normal Hair. Waterless oil And odor remover with mineral clay & citrus - Professional quality - This product is not tested on animals.

What do I think?: 2 out of 10 for me. Didn't help with absorbing oil whatsoever.

Hope this helped ya'll!

<3 Mascara Maven

The Present by Philosophy

"Do you crave airbrushed skin? Do your wrinkles and pores deserve to appear minimized?"

Gosh..where do I begin with this product? Well for starters, I used this product about 5 years ago and really loved it. I can't remember why on earth I ever stopped using it, but its back in my skincare/ makeup routine and I absolutely adore it.

Buy it here!

Ingredients: Water/Aqau/Eau, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Lysozyme, Cetyl Dimethicone, Sodium Citrate, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

What this product is formulated without:

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Synthetic Dyes

- Phthalates

- GMOs

- Triclosan

I know there are a million primers out there so you're probably wondering what makes this one worth talking about. The Present is more than a make-up primer, it is a skin perfector. It really does help you achieve an airbrushed look. It reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines while preventing breakouts. It feels very light-weight as well, with just a pea-sized amount your good to go.

From my research I have found that this product could be worn at night to lock in your treatment products while providing antibacterial benefits. Did I mention how soft your skin feels after one single use? My skin has never felt softer!

So I have combination/acne-prone skin. I am very ocd about the products I use on my face! I would say I have medium-sized pores and an oily t-zone. The Present really disappears the appearance of my pores and adds a decent amount of moisture to my combination skin. I really feel like this could be used as an oil-free moisturizer. The back of the 2oz tube advises not to apply make-up until the product has set for 2 minutes.

I suggest this product for anyone and everyone! Minimizes the appearance of pores, blurs fine lines and uneven texture, oil-free, anti-bacterial benefits, lightweight, keeps your make-up on longer, prevents breakouts....what more could you ask for?!

Give it a try!

xoxo,

Mascara Maven

BORN THIS WAY-Nars Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

So remember my recent trip to Nordstrom? Well I purchased a couple other items besides the new Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (love it). I am a big fan of pink lip colors like Angel by M.A.C., Nars Turkish Delight, and M.A.C Viva Glam in Gaga. So when I checked out the new Larger Than Life Lip Gloss collection, the BORN THIS WAY (from Lady Gaga's 'Gaga Workshop X' collection) color quickly caught my eye.

Barneys New York was the only Department Store to carry Gaga's collection and the first location to carry her Born This Way gloss:

"Barneys New York is proud to donate 25% of sales from all items in Gaga's Workshop to the Born This Way Foundation. Due to the charitable nature of the program and the exclusivity of these limited edition items, all sales are final. No returns or exchanges. No portion of the purchase price is tax deductible."

Nars Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in BORN THIS WAY

Buy it here!

The color is a beautiful muted pink-lilac color. It somewhat reminds me of Turkish Delight, but is more on the lilac end. What I loved was how 'nude' it was. I love light nude pink shades. They look perfect over beigey-nude lipsticks, like Belle Du Jour Lipstick.

Pros: Nice packaging (tube), beautiful color pay off, great pink nude shade, moisturizing, creamy, shiny, and a bit plumping (no sting). 

Cons: Too sticky (my man is not going to love this), not too long wearing, and the brush is way too small and stiff. 

I suggest checking it out and giving it a try. The stickiness may not bother some of you, and the color is so beautiful it may just be worth it.

xoxo,

Mascara Maven

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer UPDATE

Last night while doing some retail therapy at Nordstrom, I walked by one of my favorite cosmetic counters-Nars of course. Nordstrom is already selling the much anticipated Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Why? It's a Nordstrom exclusive which means Nordstrom is selling it before it is officially sold elsewhere (even the Nars website isn't selling it yet). Cool huh?

Anywho..I bought it and I love it! Laura Mercier should be a little worried because there's a new amazing tinted moisturizer out there. This product is great because it gives just the right amount of coverage (light -medium), but still looks super natural. The color Alaska (Light 2) couldn't have been a better match for me. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is also moisturizing in a non-oily way and it glides on  effortlessly. Its looks and feels so natural and it really leaves your skin glowing.

I didn't just purchase Nars's tinted moisturizer, but a couple other goodies I can't wait to tell you about!

Until then...

xoxo,

Mascara Maven

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer To Debut Feb. 15th!

I am a huge tinted moisturizer fan, but my absolute favorite is Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer. I'll be sure to blog about that dear product soon! Nevertheless, I am always looking for something new and/or something better. Just like with men, never settle for less! So since I am a big Nars Cosmetics fan, I'm always on the look out for new and upcoming products. Look what caught my eye...

The shades look pretty good and their names are so perfect! Seychelles, Polynesia, and St. Moritz to name a few. Oh and did you catch the SPF 30?! Yes!

I will post my thoughts once I try it out. I can't wait! :)