NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Review

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils have been around for a while now and have quickly become a staple in the kits of many makeup artists, but are these multi-use pencils worth all the hype?

What it claims to do:

According to the NYX Cosmetics website this product is a radiant eye liner that also doubles as an eye shadow. Made with a blend of mineral oil and powder, our creamy Jumbo Eye Pencils glide on effortlessly—no pulling, tugging or fading—and come in a rainbow of vivid hues. Some call her chubby. We say voluptuous. Available in 28 shades.  

What it actually does:

This is a pretty good product in general but the coolest thing, in my opinion, about these eye pencils is the range of shades.  You've got everything from your basic black (Black Bean) to neon green (Cucumber) and everything in between.  Some are on the matte side while others are full of shimmer and glitter.  The colors are super fun and will leave you wanting to collect them all.

Garnier Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller Review

Part makeup and part skin care, Garnier Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller promises the best of both worlds.  How convenient and cost effective would it be to combine your eye cream and concealer in one easy to use product, but does it deliver?

What it claims to do:

According to the Garnier website over time, lack of sleep and daily fatigue make eyes look tired. Microcirculation slows and the delicate skin around the eyes becomes thinner and more translucent. Dark circles and shadows appear. Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller is right for you if you want to instantly correct the appearance of dark circles and brighten the skin around your eyes:

Dermatologist tested for safety

Opthalmologist tested

Gentle to skin

Allergy tested

Non-greasy

What it actually does:

Ok, let me start by giving you some positives about this product because, frankly, I have conflicting feelings about the usefulness of it. It comes in a unique tube with a metal ball that rolls the product on your skin.  The little ball is very cool and feels quite nice on your skin. Presumably this is to help stimulate circulation under your eyes.  The product dispenses fairly evenly and I don't find there to be a lot waste. The formula is a little on the thin and watery side, but blends easily enough.  When applying, I normally roll it under my eye twice then gently pat it in with my ring finger.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Pencil, liquid, or gel eyeliner?  Each one has its own uses.  I like think of gel liner as the best of both a pencil and liquid because it is waterline safe like a pencil, yet it has the smooth application of liquid.

What it claims to do? 

According to the Maybelline website you will love this product because its oil-free formula holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base.  It's smudge-proof and waterproof for 24 hours and creates the most intense line for lasting drama.  It is safe for sensitive eyes, ophthalmologist-tested, and safe for contact lens wearers.

What it actually does:

I have this product in the shade Blackest Black.  The color is a deep black with a slight shine.  It is also available in Brown, Charcoal, and Eggplant.  The texture is very creamy and smooth making application simple and easy.  I don't find that it tugs on my skin at all when applying.  As a contact wearer this product has not irritated my eyes any at all and is quite waterline safe.  One of the reasons I like this product is because it makes tightlining so simple.  Just swipe this along your upper waterline for the look of fuller lashes.  It will transfer to your lower waterline if you don't allow it to dry completely before closing your eyes.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Review

Mascara is one of those essential makeup items that completes the entire look. However, coating those bottom lashes can be messy and a pain.  Clinique promises to have solved this problem with their new appropriately named Bottom Lash Mascara.

What it claims to do:

According to the Clinique website, now bottom lashes get in on the action with a brush engineered for tiny tasks and a formula that resists smears.  Pair it with any mascara on top, and watch what happens.  Contains a full 90-day supply.

Clinique's recommended use:

• Stroke on bottom lashes from root to tip.
• For extremely tiny bottom lashes, hold brush tip vertically and wiggle through individual lashes for precise application.
• Bottom Lash Mascara is formulated to be removed with warm water. Simply splash warm water (bath temperature is ideal) onto lashes, press gently, and mascara removes with ease

What it actually does:

The brush is tiny.  Let's get that out of the way first.  It really is the perfect size for reaching those tricky bottom lashes.  Since I started using this product I can honestly say that I have not smeared or smudged any mascara under my eye while applying.  It is really quite genius and one of those things that makes you wonder why haven't we thought of this sooner.  

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner Review

If you have your hair professionally colored or highlighted then you know that it is an investment.  So why wouldn't you protect that investment with a shampoo and conditioner that will keep your color from fading?  Today's review is a great Budget Beauty buy that is available in the drugstore and will do wonders for your color treated hair.

What it claims to do:

• According to the John Frieda website the Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo cleanses while it drenches your hair with pure shine for a high-gloss finish. It is formulated with an exclusive Shine-Infusing Complex, Brilliant Brunette^® Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo penetrates damaged areas within the hair while it polishes the exterior of each strand to optimize the reflection of light and create a crystalline shine.  It is intended for daily use and for all shades of natural, color-treated or highlighted brunette hair.  The conditioner lightly coats each hair strand to provide non-stop brunette shine. 

What it actually does:

Let me start off by saying that I have naturally very dark brunette hair with caramel highlights that were done by my stylist.  I wanted a product that would keep my highlights looking shiny and bright for as long as possible.  I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed with this shampoo and conditioner.  Not only do I feel like my hair is shinier and heather in general, but my highlights have lasted forever and still look just as great as they did when I first got them.  Of course they have grown out, but the color still looks fantastic.  Even my stylist commented on how great my highlights still looked.

M-A-C Fix+ Review

Today's review is the final product in my current foundation routine.  If you haven't read my previous reviews here is a quick recap.  I prime with Benefit POREfessional, apply my Makeup Forever Mat Velvet+ foundation, conceal with Bobbi Brown corrector and Hard Candy Glamoflauge, set with Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Finishing Powder, and bring it all together with this product.  M-A-C Fix+ is basically a setting spray for your makeup.  Setting sprays are becoming more popular as more brands release them.  The biggest problem however is that you really aren't going to find one in the drugstore as they are typically more of a high end product.  And while not totally necessary I think they add a nice and professional finishing touch.

What it claims to do:

The M-A-C Cosmetics website says this is an aqua-spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi.  Adds radiance, finishes makeup.  Spray it on.  Skin drinks it up.

What it actually does:   

First of all, let's talk about the smell of this product.  It is downright heavenly.  The scent is so light and refreshing I am tempted to just drink the stuff.  It is that awesome.  It feels amazing on hot, humid Summer days and is hydrating in winter when our skin tends to get dry.  

Benefit POREfessional Review

Once again I am continuing with reviews of products from my current foundation routine.  Today's review is of step number one, primer.  A good face primer is an essential step in achieving flawless application and lasting results.  There are tons of primers on the market right now and each of them do slightly different things.  Finding your perfect primer is going to depend on your skin type and what you want the actual primer to do.  Whether you are looking for a product that helps control oil or you are more interested in something that is tone correcting, there's a primer for that!

What it claims to do:

According to the website this primer quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin!  Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup.  Translucent, oil-free formula compliments all skin tones and helps makeup stay put.  Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

What it actually does: 

If you've been following my blog then by now you know I have really oily skin.  I also have the obnoxiously large pores that goes along with oily skin.  When choosing a primer I naturally want something that is going to help control oil and minimize my pores.  What could be better for this than a product called the POREfessional?  Luckily this product does live up to its name.